Zoom Media

🚨 MISSING PERSON ALERT 🚨

Dear members of the public,

We are urgently appealing for your help in locating our missing brother, Ayii Garang Hok.

Garang is a driver of a Noah vehicle with registration number 217 CJ and resides in Juba.

According to the information available, Garang went to a vehicle repair garage to check on his car. Since then, he has not returned home and has now been missing for four days.

His family and friends are deeply worried about his safety and are asking anyone who may have seen him or has any information about his whereabouts to contact them immediately.

Contact numbers: 📞 0921778261
📞 0921762929

Please share this message widely. Your information could help bring Garang home safely.🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

History Repeats Itself: Lessons from the 1965 Elections Boycott by the Southern Front and Sudan's Financial Crisis

Gabriel Garang Atem Ayiik
26 June 2026

Bona Malual, in his book Sudan and South Sudan: From One to Two, recounts several episodes from Sudan's history that remain remarkably relevant to South Sudan today. Among them, the 1965 general elections and Sudan's financial crisis during the period of Southern regional autonomy offer enduring lessons on political participation and economic governance.

The first lesson concerns the 1965 general elections. The Southern Front decided to boycott the elections because the Government of Sudan had failed to address the fundamental grievances raised by Southern Sudanese leaders.

These grievances included meaningful regional autonomy, equitable political representation, an end to military operations in Southern Sudan, a constitutional settlement guaranteeing the political and cultural rights of the Southern people, and a peaceful political resolution of the conflict.

By boycotting the elections, the Southern Front surrendered its parliamentary voice, while the elections provided the Government of Sudan with constitutional legitimacy without resolving the underlying political crisis. Rather than fostering national unity, the boycott and the elections together deepened mistrust and entrenched the North–South divide.

Today, the elections scheduled for 22 December 2026 present a similar strategic dilemma for South Sudan's opposition parties. If they boycott the elections, they risk losing their political voice and representation in Parliament, leaving the political space largely uncontested.

While participation may not guarantee a comprehensive political settlement, a boycott could strengthen the government's short-term political position while deepening political divisions. History suggests that elections alone cannot resolve political disputes; however, withdrawing from the electoral process may also weaken the opposition's ability to influence governance and future political reforms.

The long-term consequence could be greater political fragmentation, undermining national unity and stability. Political parties may find short-term political gains attractive, yet those gains often come at the expense of long-term national cohesion. The experience of 1965 demonstrates that decisions taken for immediate political advantage can have consequences that endure for generations.

Bona Malual also recounts his experience as Regional Minister for Industry and Mining in the Southern Regional Government under the leadership of Abel Alier, President of the High Executive Council. During efforts to mobilize financial support from Arab countries for development projects in Southern Sudan, assistance was secured from the United Arab Emirates.

However, Sudan was experiencing a severe financial and foreign exchange crisis, and the Bank of Sudan was unable to transfer funds efficiently to the intended beneficiaries.

As a result, the Regional Government adopted an alternative arrangement whereby assistance was delivered through the direct procurement of goods, works, and services instead of cash transfers. This ensured that development projects were implemented despite the weaknesses of Sudan's banking system.

This episode illustrates that financial instability is not merely an economic problem; it is also a governance challenge. When financial institutions lose credibility, governments struggle to implement development projects, donors lose confidence, and citizens ultimately bear the cost.

The lesson for South Sudan is equally important. A dysfunctional central banking system and persistent financial instability undermine development, erode investor and donor confidence, and weaken public service delivery. South Sudan should learn from Sudan's historical experience by strengthening the independence, credibility, and operational efficiency of the Bank of South Sudan, ensuring that financial resources are transmitted effectively to the real economy rather than becoming trapped by systemic weaknesses.

The challenges confronting South Sudan today are not entirely new. History does not repeat itself in exactly the same way, but it often presents similar choices with similar consequences. The experience of the 1965 election boycott demonstrates the cost of political exclusion, while Sudan's financial crisis illustrates the dangers of weak economic institutions. Together, these lessons remind South Sudan that lasting peace and shared prosperity depend not only on inclusive politics but also on credible and resilient economic institutions.

The future is bright.

GOVERNOR OF JONGLEI STATE LEADS PEACE MISSION RALLY IN PANYAGOR, TWIC EAST COUNTY

The Governor of Jonglei State, Dr. Riek G*i Kok, on Thursday addressed a major public peace rally in Panyagor as part of an ongoing peace mission aimed at strengthening reconciliation and unity between the Ayual Community of Twic East County and the Hol Community of Duk County.

Speaking at the rally, Governor Kok reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting peace, stability, and development across Jonglei State. He urged the people of Twic East County to support government-led peace initiatives and work together to maintain peaceful coexistence.

The Governor emphasized that peace remains the foundation for development and prosperity, noting that lasting stability will allow free movement of people and goods throughout Jonglei State and beyond.

The Speaker of the Jonglei State Transitional Legislative Assembly, Rt Hon. Malual Gabriel Kon, pledged the full support of the State Legislature to peacebuilding efforts and called on both communities to embrace unity and reconciliation.

The State Minister of Lands, Housing and Public Utilities, Hon. Jacob Mayom Chol, highlighted the government’s achievements in infrastructure development under the leadership of Governor Dr. Riek G*i Kok.

He stated that road connectivity between Bor and the northern parts of Jonglei State is becoming a reality, adding that the road linking Panyagor Town to Canal is now operational. He further affirmed the government’s commitment to completing the road up to Marem.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), Hon. James Jok Alier, said the state government is working closely with humanitarian partners to provide food assistance and other basic services to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in Panyagor.

The Commissioner of Twic East County, Hon. James Magok Mabiei, Speaking during the public peace rally in Panyagor, Commissioner Mabiei said the state government’s efforts have helped restore hope, dignity, and confidence among local communities.

Press Unit
Office of the Governor,Jonglei State