Bakdep – General Emiratus Ly Duc An, who has served as Kuehong’s 4th Chairman of the National Security and Stability Council (NSSC), has died this afternoon in his home at Chiem Toi.

His death was announced by his family, and was confirmed through a statement from the NSSC. The former Chairman’s health had been in decline in recent months, as he battled against stomach cancer.

“General Emiratus Ly Duc An, 4th Chairman of the National Security and Stability Council, has died of stomach cancer on 7 September 2021. He was 88 and is survived by his four children and their spouses, 15 grandchildren and three great grandchildren,” said the statement. “He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years and his three brothers.”

Vice Chairman Le Van Kiet, set to replace Vu Yen Luc on 23 September, has issued a statement of his own.

“The NSSC and I join with a grieving Nation to mourn the loss of former Chairman Le Van Kiet. The General Emiratus has inspired generations of his fellow young soldiers to public service, bringing prosperity, progress and security to our country.” Chairman Le shortly after followed up his statement saying that he would postpone his planned visits to Grinzez and Bai, as the NSSC worked with the family on the funeral arrangements. A National Day of Mourning was announced on 8 September, with all state and military flags being flown at half-mast.

Ly took office as the nation’s fourth military leader in 1990, succeeding Tran Tu Tin. While he had promised political reforms that allowed his rise to power, he was later forced out of office in 1996. He roll backed on his commitments to far-reaching reforms, remaining satifised with his rubber-stamp legislature and continued to remain for a second term despite promising to step down earlier. Widespread protests, due to the stagnating economy and his leading role on the Neeg genocide campaigns, led to his forced removal. He was shortly after charged for undermining national security and was placed under house arrest for the rest of his life.

Subsequently, he kept a low profile, living with his wife and he was regularly visited by his sons, who are businessmen of several companies. He has continuously rejected giving interviews to the press, and rarely publically gave opinions or views on the country’s politics and affairs.