Swearing-In Ceremony in Bor
Under a humid Bor sky, Jonglei State witnessed the formal swearing-in of David Anyang as the new SPLM State Secretary, an event staged at the party’s secretariat and attended by senior officials, youth representatives and cultural troupes.
Governor Kok’s Call for Grassroots Unity
Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok urged the appointee to travel to every boma, payam and county, arguing that only face-to-face dialogue can heal long-standing communal rifts, particularly between Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
“We want a new SPLM,” Kok declared, promising logistical backing from the state leadership to help Anyang mobilise voters ahead of South Sudan’s first post-war general elections scheduled for 2026.
Strategic Importance Ahead of 2026 Elections
Political analysts in Bor note that Jonglei’s voter base remains fragmented after years of conflict and flooding, making grassroots outreach an electoral necessity rather than a ceremonial gesture.
The SPLM’s national secretariat is expected to unveil a broader campaign blueprint early next year, with Jonglei serving as a bellwether for national cohesion efforts.
Local Leaders Welcome Fresh Energy
Bor County Commissioner Samuel Ateny Pech called the appointment “a critical decision,” arguing that reinforcing party structures now will spare the state last-minute turmoil during the polls.
Mayor Dr. Agot Alier added that civic infrastructure, from roads to market stalls, must accompany political mobilisation if the SPLM hopes to retain urban youth.
Incoming Secretary Charts His Agenda
Visibly moved, Anyang thanked President Salva Kiir and Governor Kok for what he termed a mandate to “advance development programmes and mobilise members from the ground up.”
He insisted that disputes over cattle, land and youth abductions be settled by community courts, allowing the party to concentrate on policy messaging and service delivery.
Regional Context and Peace Efforts
Jonglei’s stability has been a barometer for South Sudan’s fragile peace deal, with recent UNMISS reports citing improved security but cautioning against seasonal violence driven by competition for grazing land.
Anyang’s grassroots tour, observers say, could complement disarmament campaigns and inter-communal dialogues already under way in Pibor and neighbouring counties.
Looking Forward: Challenges and Opportunities
Flood-damaged roads, limited telecom coverage and political fatigue among displaced youth present immediate hurdles, yet party insiders argue that early engagement can rebuild trust long before ballot boxes arrive.
For now, Jonglei’s newest political actor carries both the optimism of the crowd and the weight of expectation as South Sudan inches toward its long-promised democratic milestone in 2026.