By Yiep Joseph
First Deputy Chairman and Secretary General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Dr. James Wani Igga has cautioned the newly appointed Jonglei governor, Dr. Riek Gai Kok, about the innate challenges of governing the restive state.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of SPLM officials, including Governor Kok as the party’s Jonglei State Chairperson, at the SPLM House in Juba, Dr. Igga stressed the “complexity” of leading Jonglei.
He urged Governor Kok to prioritize stability and address the state’s persistent issues.
“Bear in Mind Jonglei is one of the most difficult states in South Sudan, even the world, very difficult,” Igga said.
However, he emphasized the need for the people of Jonglei as well as the SPLM to cooperate to ensure that the newly appointed governor is supported to implement peace and stability in the area.
He advised the government to initiate implementable plans to stabilize the security in the area.
“My friend, start your work by enabling the creation of security and beginning to identify what the causes of insecurity are in Jonglei; just begin with that,” he said.
He added that communal fights are caused by the rampant movement of the herders.
The SPLM first vice chairman urged the government to initiate solutions to the issue of grazing land and cattle raiding in the state.
The party’s top leader appealed to the governor to ensure unity among the people of Jonglei state as well as provide services.
He called on the governor to focus on solving the flooding that has devastated and displaced most parts of Jonglei state.
“Make dikes to solve the issue of the flood because when the issue of flooding is solved, people will be settled. It is extremely important,” he said.
Igga advised the governor to focus on carrying out campaigns aimed at uniting people about the importance of peace and togetherness.
He called on the governor to end the political conflict that has hindered progress in terms of provision of the services.
The SPLM’s first deputy chairman and SG called on the governor to start with party campaigns, adding that the 2026 election is near the corner.
Dr. Riek Gai Kok, a senior SPLM member, was appointed by President Salva Kiir last week, replacing Mahjoub Biel Turuk.
This change in leadership comes at a critical time for Jonglei, which has long grappled with inter-communal violence, flooding, and humanitarian crises.
In his part, Governor of Jonglei State, Riek Gai Kok, vowed to strengthen the existing unity among the people of Jonglei.
He added that his administration will focus on promoting peace and stability as well as the provision of services to the people.
Meanwhile, during the swearing-in, South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Monday directed Riek Gai Kok to ensure peace and stability in Jonglei State.
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.