Germany awards South Sudan Aviation Security Director ‘Medal of Merit’

Subek David Dada (60) was awarded with the ‘Medal of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany’ on behalf of the German President Joachim Gauck who took a lead in ensuring the safe exit of foreigners from Juba International Airport during fighting which put the security of diplomatic corps at risk.

Germany’s Ambassador to South Sudan Johannes Lehne handed the award to Dada at the German Embassy in the European Union Compound on Monday, November 30, adding that the medal of merit was the one of the highest awards given by the German government.

The ambassador described widespread terror after clashes between soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar, but commended the official for ensuring a smooth exit and reliable procedures.

“We give this decoration in memory of his outstanding work,” Ambassador Lehne said, adding that he hoped for ongoing cooperation in the future.

Dada thanked Germany, recalling the shock of that day, when violence spread rapidly across the capital, Juba. “That time was really terrible,” he said. “The airport is very small and remember the number of people who were there that day.” Dada explained. “We grouped people according to their nationalities in order to let them go quickly and safely.”

He added that the medal is an achievement to South Sudan in general and especially for the South Sudanese Aviation Authority, telling The Niles: “I did not do this for myself but for our nation and to our people, we want to have a good name outside.”