A group of senior officials from the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Jonglei State has called for the removal of Governor Riek Gai Kok, accusing him of poor governance and fueling unrest in the state.
In a letter dated Sept. 3 and addressed to President Salva Kiir, the SPLM party chairperson, the officials said Jonglei is facing a deepening socio-political crisis due to what they described as the governor’s divisive leadership.
The letter, seen by Radio Tamazuj, alleges that Gai’s leadership has exacerbated intercommunal tensions and eroded public support for the SPLM in the state. The officials also accuse him of neglecting state affairs while operating from a hotel in Juba, the national capital.
The signatories include senior former state officials such as Tuong Majok Deng, SPLM deputy chairperson in Jonglei and former cabinet minister; Gabriel Deng Ajak, former education minister; Lual Monyluak Dau, former health minister; and John Samuel Manyuon, also a former cabinet minister.
Other signatories include Gabriel Gai Riam, Nyang Chol Dhuor, Rachel Nyadak Paul, Rev. John Jok Chol, Chuol Diu Teny, Stephen Tut Puol, Mabil Makuach Dau, Abraham Ateny Bheer, Johnson Simon Lul, James Tuor Kur, John Kiel Mayuol and Atem Duot Atem.
In an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, Tuong Majok confirmed the authenticity of the letter.
Gabriel Deng Ajak, another petitioner, said the group’s concerns include the governor’s alleged unilateral decisions, such as creating administrative units in disputed territories and relocating county headquarters without parliamentary approval.
“One major problem is that the governor created Payams and Bomas in areas disputed by communities,” Deng said. “For example, Keer Payam, which the Nuer call Akeer, has been contested by Ayod and Duk counties since the tenure of Governor Philip Thon Leek. Governor Riek declared it part of Ayod, which has fueled conflict.”
Deng added that Gai had been absent from the state for over three months and only recently returned to swear in his cabinet.
“There has been a leadership vacuum,” Deng said. “Insecurity and conflict in the fishing islands have gone largely unaddressed. He also pays little attention to the SPLM party, even as we approach national elections.”
He said the group had made several unsuccessful attempts to engage the governor in dialogue and urged President Kiir to intervene.
“We request the president to summon the governor to address these issues or consider his removal to save the state,” Deng said.
Multiple attempts to reach Governor Riek Gai for comment were unsuccessful.
Dr. Riek Gai Kok, a senior SPLM member, was appointed governor of Jonglei State in March 2025 by President Salva Kiir, replacing Mahjoub Biel Turuk, a member of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA). He is the current chairperson of the SPLM party in the state.