SOUTH SUDAN: Dr. Riek Gai Kok Sworn In As New Governor Of Jonglei State

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Monday, officially swore in Dr. Riek Gai Kok as the new governor of Jonglei State, a region that has long faced instability and intercommunal conflict.

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the Presidential Palace in Juba, also saw the appointment of Nyuol Justin Yaac as Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission and Ezekia Alfandi Gibson as his deputy.

In his address, President Kiir urged the newly appointed governor to prioritize tackling the key challenges in Jonglei, including ongoing insecurity, and assured him of the full support of the national government in restoring peace and stability to the region.

The President’s message was echoed by other officials at the event, who emphasized the need for unity and reconciliation in this troubled state.

Dr. Riek Gai Kok, a prominent member of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), pledged to collaborate with all segments of the Jonglei population to address the state’s most urgent issues.

“I am committed to working with every community and stakeholder to achieve sustainable peace and development in Jonglei,” he stated.

Dr. Gai Kok’s appointment marks a shift in leadership, as he replaces Mahjoub Biel Turuk of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).

This change is part of a political agreement reached in 2023 between President Kiir and the leaders of the SSOA. According to the deal, the SPLM would assume the governorship, while the SSOA would hold the deputy governorship and either a special envoy or a ministerial position at the national level.

However, the implementation of this agreement faced delays of nearly two years until Kiir’s recent appointment of Dr. Gai Kok.

Jonglei State has long been plagued by intercommunal violence, cattle raiding, and political tensions, making the new leadership’s task particularly challenging.

The governor’s administration is expected to focus on overcoming these obstacles while fostering economic growth and promoting social cohesion in the state.