In June 2020, President Salva Kiir made gubernatorial appointments for nine states with the exception of Upper Nile. Among the appointees was Tong Akeen Ngor, who was the governor of the defunct Aweil State prior to the second nomination.

 Kiir was commended for the installa[1]tion of Mr. Akeen. The people loved the man who once selflessly served his state charismatically. The governor was dubbed the choice of majority thanks to achievements from the previous leadership. In July same year, hundreds thronged the streets of Northern Bhar-el-Gazaal Town to welcome their incoming governor. It was a euphoric moment characterized by unprecedented positivity and expectations. Mr. Akeen enjoyed support from the local community since the appointment.

However, the honeymoon is seemingly drawing closer to an end as a section of youths from the state call for the removal of the governor. Earlier this month, they wrote a letter to national administration appealing to President Salva Kiir in particular, to remove Akeen, who also doubles as a senior member and Acting Chairman in Northern Bhar-el-Gazaal State.

Allegations In a confidential document obtained by the City Review, the disgruntled youths equivocally allege Mr. Akeen, who is at the helm of the gubernatorial seat, is “frustrating SPLM cadres and other stakeholders who are working for the contribution to SPLM development”.

The document dated 1st March 2021, also claims that the Akeen’s administration is insolent to the youths, a compelling factor which prompted them to write to the president to consider finding a replacement. They submitted a list of recommended people whom they consider “strong cadres of the SPLM party in Northern Bhar-el-Ghazal State/Aweil”. Proposed names include Angelo Ugwaag Wod Arun from Aweil Centre, Deng Deng Akuei from Aweil East, Gen. Jaldit Malith Jal, and Taban Athian Teng Angok from Aweil South.

Response

The City Review contacted the Gubernatorial Press Unit in Aweil in a fact-finding and verification attempt. Press Secretary Deng Kiir Deng trashed the letter and its content saying the youths within the State are cooperating with Akeen’s administration and no report of insubordination was recorded. In an astonishing twist, Mr. Kiir revealed that the authors of the letter, who are based in Juba, are known associates of the governor. They have since dis[1]owned the letter but the leadership believes the letter had a political motive.

“We know these people. Those are close friends to the governor and they have already said that they did not sign the letter. I just believe they probably had some political motives,” Kiir told City Review on phone.

The Governor’s office is in possession of the document whose signatories have already disowned. The Press Secretary said the administration would hold a press briefing on the matter and members of the press shall be allowed to submit questions.