Activist slams Jonglei governor for ‘dangerous’ ethnic rhetoric

JUBA — A prominent South Sudanese civil society leader has slammed the governor of Jonglei State for engaging in what he termed “dangerous” ethnic rhetoric, warning that the official’s recent remarks risk inciting violence between the country’s largest communities.

Ter Manyang Gatwech, the former Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), issued the condemnation in response to comments made this week by Governor Riak Gai Kok.

Speaking at Poktap, the administrative capital of Duk County, Gai had accused First Vice President Riek Machar of fueling division and controversially claimed that the Dinka Bor community had fled the 1991 civil war rather than defending the region.

“This is a blatant and unacceptable hate speech against our people,” Ter said in a statement on Sunday. “Nuer and Dinka are not enemies, and any attempt to portray them as such is reckless and dangerous.”

Ter accused the governor of prioritizing his political survival over social cohesion, warning that such narratives could unravel the fragile peace in a state already plagued by inter-communal violence.

“Dr. Riek Gai Kok Diang’s hate speech will not help you in protecting your seat,” Ter said. “I strongly and unequivocally condemn this deliberate effort to incite violence against our beloved communities in South Sudan.”

The governor’s remarks in the town of Poktap had sparked a public outcry after he alleged that the “problem” of the 1991 war was fought in Duk County by the Hol and Nyerweng communities, dismissing the widely documented suffering of the Dinka Bor further south.

Ter urged the governor, whom he addressed as an elder, to retract the statements and focus on healing rather than reopening historical wounds.

“Words from leaders can either heal or destroy. Hate speech only fuels division, bloodshed, and suffering—it has never brought progress to any nation,” Ter said.

Emphasizing the deep ties between the groups, Ter noted that the Dinka and Nuer have lived together for generations, bound by intermarriages and shared struggles.

“I urge you to immediately desist from such conduct and protect your position and legacy by choosing wisdom, responsibility, and peace over division,” he added.

State officials have not yet responded to the criticism.