BOR, Jonglei State has appointed a new deputy governor nearly a year after the position became vacant, a move welcomed by civil society groups even as they raised concerns over power-sharing arrangements and legislative delays
Wilson Awuol Gajang Awuol was named deputy governor ahead of his expected swearing-in, filling a post that had remained unoccupied since March 2025. Civil society groups said the vacancy had strained the state administration and hindered governance.
The Jonglei Civil Society Network said the absence of a deputy governor placed an additional burden on Gov. Dr. Riek Gai Kok and coincided with a prolonged recess of the State Legislative Assembly.
“This appointment is a relief, not only to our advocacy efforts but also to the residents and citizens of Jonglei State,” said Bol Deng Bol, chairperson of the Jonglei Civil Society Network.
However, the network questioned the credibility of the state’s power-sharing arrangement under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. Civil society leaders said both the governor and deputy governor positions are now held by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government, despite provisions allocating the deputy governorship to the South Sudan Opposition Alliance.
“This constitutes a violation of the peace pact arrangement, unless a satisfactory explanation is availed,” Bol said.
Civil society groups also expressed concern over the continued closure of the State Legislative Assembly, which has not reconvened nearly a year after the end of its three-month recess. They urged authorities to expedite the appointment of a new speaker following the recent removal of the previous officeholder.
The network further called on the appointing authority to uphold the 35% affirmative action requirement by ensuring the next speaker is a woman.
Bol said civil society organizations remain committed to monitoring governance, reporting human rights violations and advocating for the welfare of the population, while continuing to engage with both state and non state actors.
“We will continue to work to ensure accountability, inclusion and respect for the rule of law in Jonglei State,” he said.
