![Outgoing Jonglei Governor Denay Chagor (left) and newly-appointed Governor Mahjoub Biel Turuk. [Photo Courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Chagor-and-Mahjoub.jpg?resize=1920%2C1080&quality=89&ssl=1)
This decision was announced on Wednesday night via a decree broadcasted on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).
Kiir, in a separate decree, appointed Mahjoub Biel Turuk, a political ally of prominent opposition leader Lam Akol Ajawin, as the new governor of Jonglei State.
Chagor, leader of the South Sudan United Movement/Army (SSUM/A), assumed the governorship in July 2020 under the ticket of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), as stipulated in the revitalized peace agreement.
His leadership was marked by a surge in civil unrest, with protests against corruption and alleged misuse of public funds, along with an uptick in child abductions and cross-border cattle raids with the neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
In a controversial move in 2022, Chagor welcomed members of the White Army upon their return from Greater Pibor, where they had reportedly attacked and displaced civilians.
Mahjoub Turuk, the newly appointed governor, serves as the secretary-general of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), led by Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin.
NDM is a founding member of SSOA, and Mahjoub holds the position of SSOA chief whip in parliament. Like Chagor, Mahjoub hails from Greater Akobo in Jonglei State.
The reshuffle comes days after Kiir removed governors of Unity State, Nguen Manytuil Wijang, and of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony. It also comes amidst preparations for the general elections scheduled for December this year.
Lam Akol’s return to South Sudan last year was perceived as a successful reconciliation effort by President Kiir, who sought unity with Shilluk leaders ahead of the upcoming polls.
