A group of officials from the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Jonglei State has petitioned President Salva Kiir Mayardit, raising concerns over what they describe as a worsening political, social, and economic crisis under the leadership of Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok.
In a letter dated September 3, 2025, addressed to the President in his capacity as SPLM Chairman, the officials accused Dr. Gai of poor governance, neglect of party structures, and sidelining state institutions.
They warned that the situation risks plunging Jonglei into deeper instability if not urgently addressed.
Gabriel Deng Ajak, one of the SPLM members in Jonglei, said the governor has been creating new payams (administrative divisions) in disputed areas, a move he claimed is fueling tensions among communities.
“The governor has been creating payams on disputed lands, giving one side rights while denying others of the same land,” Deng alleged.
He further accused the governor of operating largely from Juba instead of Bor, Jonglei’s capital, and making unilateral decisions without consulting the state cabinet or legislature.
“The governor has not been in the state to provide a platform for accountability. There have been no cabinet meetings, and the creation of new payams has been done without the involvement of parliament or the local government,” Deng said.
According to him, the state parliament has been closed for more than six months, paralyzing its functions.
“The Speaker requested the reopening of the parliament, but the governor refused, knowing that the legitimacy of his decrees would be questioned,” Deng added.
However, Manath Gany, Press Secretary in the Office of the Governor, acknowledged awareness of the petition but downplayed the matter.
“We have seen the petition, and the office of the governor is investigating. Once details are available, we will provide them,” Gany said.
The petition, signed by at least 16 SPLM officials from different counties including Bor, Akobo, Uror, Twic East, and Pigi, listed grievances ranging from poor governance to the weakening of SPLM structures in the state.
Among the signatories are Mabil Makuach Dau (Pigi), Abraham Ateny Bheer (Bor), Lual Monyluak Dau (Pigi), Johnson Simon Lul (Akobo), and Atem Duot Atem (Twic East).
They urged President Kiir to intervene, saying the SPLM’s credibility in Jonglei is at stake.
Dr. Riek Gai Kok, a senior SPLM member and former national minister, was appointed Governor of Jonglei State in March 2025 by President Kiir, replacing Mahjoub Biel Turuk.
