The recent appointment of Atong Kuol Manyang as the new Deputy Governor of Jonglei State has sparked a wave of expectations among the citizens, with many hoping for a new era of unity and progress.

Atong, the daughter of veteran SPLA Commander Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, steps into her new role following a significant reshuffle of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Party-nominated officials in Jonglei State.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, a resident of Bor town, Daniel Majok, expressed that Deputy Governor Atong faces a huge task ahead to unite the divided SPLM Party. The party has witnessed its fair share of internal divisions and the citizens of Jonglei State are looking to Atong for leadership and reconciliation.

“She has a big task ahead of her taking into consideration that the party that she is leading now is widely divided in Jonglei State. Therefore, she has a big responsibility to bring them together so that they are in unity,” Majok said. “When they are in unity, I believe that they are going to deliver efficient services to the people of Jonglei State.”

Another Jonglei State citizen, Peter Ajak Ayom, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that Atong should work closely with Governor Denay Jock Chagor to address the state’s pressing issues for the betterment of Jonglei.

“I have to say women are better than men in this case. We have seen many men become governors or deputy governors since independence up to today and nothing much has changed,” he stated. “If you look at the background of the new deputy governor, having been the Minister of Information, Health, and most recently Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Tourism, I have seen a lot of changes she has made and that gives a green light that she will also do something better in that position.”

For his part, Samuel Agol Panchol, a Bor resident, expects Atong to create job opportunities for young people and address the growing concerns about unemployment in the state.

“What we need is service delivery, providing basic needs to the citizens, and encouraging peace and unity among the civilians in Jonglei State,” he said. “We also expect her office to undertake community empowerment, create opportunities for the youth, improve the education sector, and at the same time provide good health services. We wish for the best during her tenure.”

Ellen Akec Marial, a Member of Parliament in Jonglei, hopes that Deputy Governor Atong Kuol will prioritize the unity of SPLM Party members and the people of Jonglei State, especially at this time when the country is heading towards general elections.

“We expect a lot from Comrade Atong as the chairperson of the SPLM because she is somebody who has been in the state government for some time and knows the challenges the previous governments faced as far as the SPLM is concerned,” he specified. “She has also seen some errors so she will know how to correct them. I think she will adjust the SPLM in Jonglei State accordingly.”

According to Akec, the state’s citizens are watching closely with high hopes that Atong’s leadership will bring about much-needed change and stability.

Similarly, the SPLM Party Chief Whip in the state legislature, Laila Matien, welcomed Atong’s appointment and voiced optimism that her leadership would address the rampant mismanagement of resources.

As the state looks forward, many, including Laila, harbor the wish that President Salva Kiir might elevate her to the governorship.

“Atong is a very hardworking woman and when she was in the health ministry, she started well. She is really strong but with our local idea as South Sudanese, we say, ‘if something has failed a man, a woman cannot manage.’ However, I believe that through prayers we can make it,” he added. “It is a good decision that Atong was appointed deputy governor and maybe they will agree with the governor because Jonglei has become a place of quarreling and we hope that it will become a place of peace.”

Atong Kuol, who was recently awarded the title of best serving minister, is recognized for her dedication and innovation during her tenure as the state’s health minister as well as Minister of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism. This accolade has set a precedent for her upcoming role where she is expected to bring the same level of commitment and excellence. 

However, concerns have been raised about potential friction between Atong Kuol Manyang and Governor Denay Jock Chagor. The governor, a member of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), has had a history of disagreements with his former deputies, such as Antipas Nyok Kucha and Jacob Akech Dengdit. These past conflicts have cast a shadow of doubt over the new partnership.

In a statement reflecting the delicate balance of power, a lawmaker, Jesus Panther Deng, reminded Deputy Governor Atong to remain loyal to Governor Chagor despite their differing party affiliations, as a means to prevent any future fallout.

“An American vice president by the name Hubert H. Humphrey once said, ‘Anyone who thinks that the vice-president can take a position independent of the president of his administration simply has no knowledge of politics or government,” he counseled. “You are his choice in a political marriage, and he expects your absolute loyalty.’ This is the same thing here so you cannot publicly take a different position independent of the governor of Jonglei State and expect smooth running of the government.”

Adding to the complexity is the ongoing financial management issue within the state. Reports indicate that since his appointment in 2020, Governor Chagor has been running the government without an approved budget, leading to a lack of accountability for local revenue. This situation has created an urgent need for transparent governance and financial responsibility.

As Atong Kuol Manyang steps into her new role, the people of Jonglei State are hopeful that she will address these pressing issues and work towards uniting the party, fostering collaboration with the governor, and ensuring the responsible management of the state’s finances.

The journey ahead is fraught with challenges, but with Atong’s proven track record, there is a sense of cautious optimism in the air.