Opinion:
By Wany Bum Makhor
In the evolving political landscape of the Republic of South Sudan, few leaders demonstrate the breadth of constituency support, administrative competence, and generational relevance that Hon. Denay Jock Chagor embodies. A few weeks ago, following the dismissal of the former Vice President in charge of the Economic Cluster—an announcement made through a presidential decree broadcast on the state-owned SSBC—and the subsequent replacement with veteran SPLM loyalist H.E. Gen. Dr. James Wani Iga, a heated debate erupted within the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA). The discussion centered on nominating a candidate for the Vice President of the Service Cluster. This debate rightly reflects concerns for regional balance in the Presidency and adherence to the power-sharing architecture of the peace agreement.
For reasons set out below, Denay Jock Chagor stands out clearly as the most unifying, qualified, and broadly supported choice for this crucial national responsibility.
Hon. Denay Jock Chagor currently serves as Chairman of the South Sudan United Movement (SSUM), a political organization that emerged during the height of conflict and transition, founded with a disciplined and resilient military wing under his command. His political and administrative popularity is unmatched in Jonglei State, where he once served as Governor. Independent evaluations rated his four-year tenure at an extraordinary 95%, reflecting widespread trust across communities, counties, and political groups. His leadership strengthened access to basic services, promoted equitable distribution of resources, empowered young people, and mitigated inter-communal tensions in one of the most historically volatile states in the country.
Denay hails from the Lou-Nuer, the largest section and political powerhouse of the Nuer community. This community, having endured long-term political manipulation under the detained First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, has now openly withdrawn its support for Machar’s political agenda and rallied behind Denay Jock Chagor as a leader capable of advancing genuine peace. It is an open secret that Nuer representation in the Presidency is currently limited to two individuals—H.E. Taban Deng Gai and H.E. Dr. Riek Machar—both of whom share not only a regional base (Bentiu Nuer) but close blood ties. Their leadership reflects only seven of the Nuer counties found in Unity State, leaving nine counties in the Central and Eastern Nuer regions completely unrepresented. This imbalance has harmed intra-Nuer cohesion and fueled internal conflicts. Politics, as the saying goes, is a game of numbers—and here the equation is clear. The appointment of Hon. Denay Jock Chagor is an opportunity to redress these historical injustices.
Denay’s rise is grounded not in chance, but in competence, vision, and intergenerational confidence. Appointed as the youngest National Minister of Higher Education in the country’s history, he championed education reforms, increased support for university students at home and abroad, and promoted youth inclusion within the sector’s top decision-making structures. Months later he ascended to the governorship of Jonglei State—becoming the youngest governor appointed under the Revitalized Peace Agreement across the ten states. His career trajectory resonates with the hopes of South Sudan’s youth, who make up over 70% of the nation’s population. To many young people, Denay symbolizes a new political energy—someone who understands the pressing realities of education, employment, governance, service delivery, and security.
What truly sets Denay apart is his unmatched ability to command constituencies across multiple layers of South Sudanese society. In Jonglei, he enjoys respect from youth, elders, women’s groups, traditional authorities, community leaders, and local administrators. He maintains strong ties with the media and developmental partners. Within SSOA, his leadership through SSUM is uncontested. As a senior figure in the alliance, he has demonstrated political maturity, negotiation skills, and the coalition-building capabilities essential for the Vice President of the Service Cluster.
The discussion surrounding this nomination is an internal SSOA matter, governed by the principles of political fairness and respect for the power-sharing provisions of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The Peace Agreement is anchored in proportional ratios that ensure national balance. SSOA has diligently upheld regional fairness. Under “peace theory,” lasting peace is attained when all groups feel represented, respected, and included. This logic guided the appointment of Hon. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol representing Greater Bahr el Ghazal and H.E. Josephine Lagu representing Greater Equatoria. The same consistency and integrity should guide the remaining vacancy.
It must also be clarified that regional representation is the jurisdiction of political parties under the Peace Agreement—not the Presidency as an institution. Any political party may count members from all three regions; what matters is internal party balance. SSOA has consistently adhered to this practice. Under “game theory,” political actors take decisions that minimize risk, reduce zero-sum outcomes, and promote mutual benefit. Therefore, allocating the remaining vice-presidential slot to Greater Upper Nile is the only logical and just outcome. Among all potential candidates, Hon. Denay Jock Chagor is best placed to reinforce alliance cohesion, stabilize regional politics, and support national unity.
He is a party leader commanding the largest political base within SSOA, backed by a capable military wing. He has served the nation honorably as National Minister of Higher Education, Governor of Jonglei State, and most recently National Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism. These roles equipped him with vast administrative experience and a deep understanding of government processes. His communication skills, charisma, and oratory have enabled him to mobilize diverse communities around shared national goals. These traits uniquely qualify him to support H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit in navigating the current economic crisis and persistent security challenges.
Under the “utilitarian theory,” which prioritizes the greatest good for the greatest number, I respectfully appeal to the President to appoint Hon. Denay Jock Chagor as Vice President. He represents the majority youth population (over 72%), the largest political party within SSOA, the historically significant Eastern/Central Nuer regions, and the diverse peoples of Jonglei State, particularly the Lou-Nuer.
South Sudan is at a crossroads. Stability requires fairness. Unity demands representation. Leadership calls for competence. Hon. Denay Jock Chagor embodies all three.
The author is a member of the Jonglei State Parliament representing Uror County and former spokesperson of the Jonglei State Assembly. He is a security analyst. The views expressed in this article are his own. He can be reached at: wanybum12@gmail.com.