By Majak Daniel Kunay Alier
First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, Dr. Riek Gai Kok, on earning the trust of H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, to lead Jonglei State at this crucial time in the Transitional Government of National Unity.
Your appointment is not just a political decision but a recognition of your long-standing commitment to leadership and service to the people of South Sudan.
If I can recall, during the liberation struggle, you served as governor of Jonglei State, navigating immense challenges with resilience and dedication. After independence, you were appointed to serve the country as Minister of Health, where you made a lasting impact. One of your most notable achievements, the Boma Health Initiative, brought healthcare closer to the people, ensuring that even the most remote communities had access to essential medical services.
Your leadership has always been about action, about making a real difference in people’s lives. That is why I am confident that you have the vision and ability to steer Jonglei State toward peaceful coexistence, stability, and economic evolution. The challenges ahead are great as your reiterated during your speech at the state-burial of fallen Hero, Major General Majur Dak Thel in Juba, but with your experience and commitment, I believe you can bring some relative calm and change.
Recently, your early engagement with the Twic East County Chief, surfaced online and this is a commendable first step, demonstrating your inclusive and consultative leadership approach. However, to deeply understand and effectively address Jonglei’s political, cultural, and economic challenges, I urge you to extend this dialogue across the entire state. To achieve good governance grounded in practical realities, I recommend the following steps;
Engaging traditional leaders is essential. Organizing a statewide forum that brings together chiefs from all nine counties will allow you to listen to their perspectives on governance, security, and development. Their insights will be crucial in shaping policy decisions and conflict resolution strategies that reflect the real concerns of the people.
Incorporating youth in decision-making should also be a priority. Establishing youth forums where young people can express their aspirations and challenges will provide a clearer understanding of their needs. Developing programs that promote employment, education, and leadership will not only empower them but also prevent marginalization and reduce conflict. Ensuring their active participation in governance structures will give them a sense of ownership and responsibility in building a peaceful Jonglei.
Women’s participation in governance is equally important. Holding women-centered dialogues will highlight issues such as economic empowerment, education, and protection from gender-based violence. Their inclusion in policy planning and decision-making will strengthen governance, while initiatives that promote women’s leadership and political representation will create a more balanced and just society.
Jonglei’s past has been marked by cycles of conflict, but transformational leadership rooted in inclusivity and grassroots participation can break this pattern. Your leadership offers a unique opportunity to rebuild trust, foster reconciliation, and strengthen governance. By engaging traditional authorities, youth, and women, you will establish a citizen-centered governance model that can set a new standard for leadership, not just in Jonglei but across the country.
As a student of transformational leadership, I firmly believe that lasting change is achieved through vision, inclusivity, and action. You are in a position to demonstrate a leadership model that embraces the voices of all citizens, laying a strong foundation for peace, development, and unity in Jonglei. Your success in these efforts will not only strengthen Jonglei state but also serve as an example for the rest of South Sudan. I trust in your ability to guide our state toward a better future, and I hope that my humble recommendations contribute to your vision for a prosperous Jonglei.
Majak Daniel Kuany Alier is a Secretary General of the Union of Journalists of South Sudan. He is currently pursuing a master of Transformational Leadership, specializing on Conflict Management and Peacebuilding, at the school of National transformational leadership Institute, at the University of Juba.