Governor Biel orders opening of political, civic space in Jonglei State

By Awan Achiek

The Governor of Jonglei State Mahjoub Biel Turuk on Wednesday issued a directive to County Commissioners to open up political and civic space in the State for greater political pluralism and divergent views.

The order seen by this publication allows freedom to all political parties to the 2018 peace agreement to exercise their democratic rights.

“All parties represented in the said (peace) agreement are allowed to have political rallies, and campaign ahead of the upcoming elections and to preach peace messages within each County or area of Jonglei State,” the order said.

This was the first gubernatorial order since Biel assumed office as Governor of Jonglei State on May 30, 2024.

The governor directed County Commissioners to implement the order accordingly without any delay.

Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of the Bor-based advocacy group INTREPID South Sudan, welcomed the order.

“It is a good gesture in terms of promotion of political pluralism and a conducive environment for diverse political parties,” Deng said.

Governor Turuk is a member of Dr. Lam Akol’s National Democratic Movement (NDM), which is part of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA.