Lam Akol slams Governor Biem, demands reinstatement of Mayiandit Commissioner

BENTIU – The National Democratic Movement (NDM) Chairman Dr. Lam Akol has sharply criticized Unity State Governor Riek Biem Top over the abrupt removal of Mayiandit County Commissioner Marko Juong Magok, describing the decision as a blatant violation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

In a strongly worded letter dated 22 November 2025 and addressed to Governor Biem, Dr Akol expressed surprise and disappointment after learning through state broadcaster SSBC that Commissioner Magok had been dismissed and replaced without consultation with the NDM — the party that nominated him under the terms of the peace agreement.

According to Akol, the position of Mayiandit Commissioner was allocated to NDM in accordance with the power-sharing formula outlined in the R-ARCSS. He said Governor Biem had never raised any concerns regarding the commissioner’s performance, making the sudden announcement “surprising” and procedurally unjustified.

“Removing him without the knowledge and consent of the NDM is a flagrant violation of R-ARCSS,” the NDM leader stated, adding that the manner in which the decision was communicated further undermined the spirit of cooperation expected of peace partners.

Dr Akol also objected to the appointment of John Matip Gatluok as Magok’s replacement, noting that the new appointee was publicly presented as an NDM member despite his well-known affiliation with the SPLM-IG, the party of President Salva Kiir. Akol described the move as a deceptive attempt to circumvent the power-sharing provisions.

“To add insult to injury, his replacement, John Matip Gatluok, was announced as a member of the NDM when we know very well that he is a full member of the SPLM-IG and former Deputy Governor in its name,” he wrote.

The NDM chairman revealed that he attempted to contact Governor Biem to seek clarification, and although the governor initially responded, he allegedly “went mute” once he learned the purpose of the inquiry.

Akol said he was left with no option but to formally lodge his protest through the written statement, insisting that the removal must be reversed to restore respect for the peace agreement.

“My demand is firm and simple,” he wrote. “If you still believe in R-ARCSS, please arrange forthwith to revoke the relief of Commissioner Marko Juong Magok so that he resumes his work.”

The statement adds to growing concerns over recurrent violations of the peace deal’s power-sharing arrangements, particularly at the state and county levels, where political tensions remain high ahead of anticipated national elections.