Kiir directs new Jonglei governor to address instability amid tensions in the region

JUBA – South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Monday directed the newly appointed Governor of Jonglei State, Riek Gai Kok, to ensure peace and stability in the volatile region during his swearing-in ceremony at State House, J1.

Kok, a senior member of President Kiir’s SPLM party, was appointed last week to replace Mahjoub Biel Turuk, who was dismissed by the president on the same day.

In a statement shared by Kiir’s office on social media, the president tasked Kok, the former health minister, with stabilizing the region amid recent deadly tensions in neighboring Upper Nile State. The unrest, involving clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army, a local youth militia with historical ties to South Sudan’s leading opposition leader and First Vice President Riek Machar, has raised concerns.

“President Kiir urged Governor Riek Gai to address the pressing issues in Jonglei State and pledged full support from his administration to tackle the ongoing instability in the region,” the president’s office said.

“Officials encouraged Governor Kok to intensify efforts to ensure peace, stability, and unity in this volatile area,” the statement added.

The statement also noted that Kok pledged to rally all communities in the state to support his efforts in addressing various challenges, including insecurity and inter-communal clashes with neighboring communities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).

“Dr. Riek Gai Kok emphasized his commitment to collaborating with all segments of society in Jonglei to confront the numerous challenges facing the state,” the statement said.

Recent security developments in Upper Nile State, particularly in Nasir and Ulang counties, have raised concerns over the potential for a broader conflict and the collapse of the ongoing peace process under the unity government, which includes Kiir’s SPLM-IG and the leading opposition group led by Machar.

The conflict in Nasir last week resulted in significant casualties, including the killing of SSPDF brigade commander Major General David Majur Dak by the White Army. The general was shot dead on Friday while boarding a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) helicopter, which had been arranged to evacuate him to the capital, Juba, after the White Army seized control of the town following days of deadly clashes.

The ceremony at the presidential office, known as J1, also included the swearing-in of Nyuol Justice Yaac and Ezekia Alfandi Gibson, who took the oath of office as Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the South Sudan Human Rights Commission, respectively. Both officials were also appointed late last week.

Kiir’s office said the appointment of the human rights officials reflects a broader government commitment to upholding justice and human dignity within the governance system, promoting accountability and human rights in South Sudan.