ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has expressed deep sadness over the death of former President of Sudan, Abdel Rahman Swar Al-Dahab.

Swar Al-Dahab died on Thursday at the age of 83 at Riyadh Military Hospital in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh.

In a statement on Friday, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, Mahboub Maalim, expressed deep sadness upon receiving the news of the passing away of Swar Al-Dahab.

Swar Al-Dahab will be remembered as a celebrated leader both at home and abroad for his illustrious contribution to his country and commitment to the ideals of peace and democracy, the IGAD Executive Secretary said.

"He was also one of the founding fathers of IGAD having served as the President of Sudan during the time of the organization's establishment in 1986," the IGAD Executive Secretary said.

Swar Al-Dahab was born in El-Obeid city in western Sudan in 1935. He assumed power as Sudan's president following the popular uprising against former President Gaafar Nimeiry in 1985.