At the onset, I would like to define the term politics. It is important to note that politics means different things to different people, both in Africa and globally. In other words, there is no universal definition of politics. For the purposes of this discussion, I have selected a definition aligned with this subject matter.
The American political scientist Harold Lasswell observed that politics is “who gets what, when, and how.” In essence, politics is a contest of interests, exercised by people who compete for scarce resources. Similarly, Aristotle, one of the three fathers of Western philosophy, once stated that “man is a political animal,” while Plato warned that the penalty for refusing to participate in politics is being governed by those worse than oneself.
South Sudan, particularly Unity State and Southern Unity State, exemplifies Plato’s warning. The country struggles because many of its leaders are perceived as worse than the citizens they govern.
Leadership and Accountability
South Sudanese citizens often cite a legitimate excuse: they did not elect their current leaders. Many of those who call themselves leaders were hand-picked by the presidency. At this point, it is difficult to hold citizens accountable for their leaders’ actions or inactions.
In fact, current leaders at all levels were nominated and appointed through presidential decrees without consultation or consent from the people in their constituencies. Moreover, these appointments are frequently based on patronage, party loyalty, or personal relationships.
Political Removal and Replacement
This opinion piece is prompted by the political circumstances surrounding the removal of Riek Bim Top and the subsequent re-appointment of the incumbent Unity State Governor, Dr. Joseph Nguen Manytuil Wejang. Riek Bim Top’s removal was long overdue.
Prior to his dismissal, there were public calls for his removal. His leadership was criticized for betraying expectations for good governance in Unity State.
Political Trigger
Governor Riek’s abrupt removal followed a controversial statement by Vice President Taban Deng Gai during the commemoration of the Abienhom massacre, in which he revealed that he had not met President Salva Kiir for nearly a year.
Initially, I welcomed Riek Bim’s appointment. However, my optimism quickly turned to disillusionment. Any SPLM-appointed governor of Unity State is expected to demonstrate party loyalty by marginalizing opposition strongholds, such as Panyijiar County. Under Riek Bim, this extended to interfering with residents’ access to healthcare. A ministerial order suspending health services in Panyijiar County during flooding contributed to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. The order was rescinded two days after his dismissal, highlighting its politically motivated nature.
Riek Bim’s Legacy
Historians will remember Riek Bim’s leadership for three things:
- Being the first Unity State governor to visit Panyijiar County since independence in 2011.
- Suspending health services in Panyijiar County.
- Failing to prevent the deportation of accused Unity State citizens to Warrap State, where they were denied rights guaranteed under domestic and international law.
A Divided State
Unity State remains one of South Sudan’s most divided regions, with social and political divisions running deep. I challenge Unity State’s sons and daughters aspiring to the South Sudanese presidency to focus first on uniting their own people before attempting to unite the country.
The state’s name, “Unity,” is ironic. True unity has not been realized due to restricted movement caused by insecurity, inequitable distribution of jobs and resources, and political marginalization.
Unity State historically comprised two regions: Northern Unity and Southern Unity. In 2015, when President Kiir implemented the defunct 32-state system, the state was split along these lines, though Koch County was annexed to Northern Unity. Northern Unity includes Mayom, Rubkona, and Guit counties, while Southern Unity includes Panyijiar, Mayendit, Leer, and Koch counties.
Southern Unity is politically marginalized, despite recent appointments of Hon. Luke Thoan Teny as National Minister of Health and Hon. Malual Tap Diu as First Undersecretary of Finance and Planning. Northern Unity has historically dominated the governorship and other key political positions, particularly in Mayom County, which has held the governorship for over a decade.
Political Strategy and Inequality
The governorship has remained in Mayom County for strategic reasons: its proximity to Warrap State (the president’s home) and its perceived political loyalty during the 2013 war. While the first reason carries more weight, it has fueled Northern Unity’s dominance at the expense of Southern Unity. Political supporters are not exclusive to Mayom, as demonstrated during a 2019 speech by former Unity State advisor Hon. Paul Yoach Thorgow in Nairobi. He highlighted government supporters across all seven counties, dispelling the narrative that Mayom alone drives political support.
Northern Unity leaders have leveraged Southern Unity’s silence to consolidate their advantage. Some Mayom groups, including the newly established “Bul First Team,” have threatened to align with armed opposition if their privileges are challenged. Meanwhile, Southern Unity has remained largely passive, weakening its bargaining position.
For example, in 2024, Southern Unity MPs petitioned former Governor Riek Bim to appoint Gabriel Gatkuoth Tekjiek Kulang as Vice President of the Sudd Petroleum Operation Company (SPOC). The petition was ignored until Riek Bim’s dismissal. Similarly, Governor Manytuil later appointed Hon. Tut Lieth to the position based on personal ties, rather than merit.
Looking Forward
Governor Dr. Manytuil, affiliated with the “Bul First” political group, has an opportunity to balance political power, promote development, and unify Unity State. Failure to do so for a fourth term would be unfortunate.
Currently, Unity State faces severe challenges, including floods and other crises. Citizens prioritize survival and stability above all else. The new governor must approach these issues with the seriousness and urgency they demand.
The writer, Dak Buoth Riek Gaak, is a lawyer and criminologist. He previously served as a delegate to the High-Level Mediation for South Sudan, also known as the Tumaini Peace Initiative, where he represented the South Sudan People’s Movement (SSPM) as national chairperson of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee. He can be reached for comments at: eligodakb@yahoo.com
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.