Gen. Rin Tueny thanks Kiir, backs successor after removal as Lakes State governor

RUMBEK — Lt. Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor has broken his silence following his removal as Governor of Lakes State earlier this week, thanking President Salva Kiir for the opportunity to serve and pledging full support to his successor, Maj. Gen. Madhang Majok Meen.

In a message addressed to President Kiir, Rin reflected on his four years and seven months at the helm of Lakes State, describing his tenure as an honour rooted in service to both the state and the nation.

Appointed on June 8, 2021, Rin said he leaves office with pride in what was achieved under Kiir’s leadership, invoking the spirit of the liberation struggle that shaped South Sudan’s political tradition. He took over a restless state defined by banditry and violence. While isolated incidents prevail, many say the former governor managed to restore order in the state.

“Leadership, as we learned during the dark and challenging days of our liberation struggle, is a relay race,” he wrote. “Assignments come and go, but our commitment to the nation remains constant.”

Rin, a senior military figure turned civilian administrator, said his transition from the battlefield to sub-national governance symbolised the broader journey of South Sudan from war to state-building. He noted that his task had been to ensure peace and stability took root in Lakes State, a region that has experienced recurring communal violence and security challenges over the years.

In his farewell message, Rin extended gratitude to key institutions and communities he worked with during his administration, including the state cabinet, members of parliament, traditional authorities, civil servants in the secretariat, the people of Lakes State, and the diaspora community. He credited these groups with helping sustain governance and stability during his tenure.

“As I hand over the mantle, I remain a loyal son of South Sudan,” he told the president, thanking Kiir for the guidance and opportunity to contribute to the history of Lakes State and the republic.

A day later, in a separate statement dated January 20, 2026, Rin congratulated Maj. Gen. Madhang Majok Meen on his appointment as the new Governor of Lakes State. He described the appointment as coming at a “crucial time” for the state and expressed confidence in Madhang’s experience and leadership qualities.

“Having served the people of Lakes State, I am aware of the resilience of our citizens and the importance of maintaining the peace, security, and stability we have worked so hard to establish,” Rin said, adding that his successor is well-positioned to lead the state toward further prosperity.

He assured the incoming governor of his support during the transition and urged him to build on the existing foundations of law and order to keep Lakes State a beacon of stability and development in South Sudan.

He concluded by wishing Madhang wisdom, strength, and resilience in serving the people of the state. Rin’s statements come amid broader administrative reshuffles by President Kiir as South Sudan grapples with renewed tensions threatening to drag the country back to war.