General Kuol Manyang Juuk, born in 1945 in Mathiang Jook, a village in Bor, Jonglei State, South Sudan, is a distinguished military leader and politician whose contributions have shaped South Sudan's path to independence. He has held pivotal roles both on the battlefield and in political offices, cementing his legacy as a key figure in the country’s history.
Early Life and EducationKuol Manyang’s formal education began in 1954, when he obtained the Sudan Elementary School Examination Certificate from Jonglei Elementary School Teachers Training in Malakal. He went on to earn the Sudan Technical Intermediate School Examination Certificate from Malakal Technical Intermediate School in 1963 and the Sudan Trade Examination Certificate from Wad-Medani Trade Secondary School in 1968. In 1971, he completed diploma in machine workshops in engineering from Khartoum Senior Trade School.
From 1971 to 1982, Kuol Manyang worked as an instructor at various vocational training centers in Wau, Wad-Medani, and Juba. His role in education and technical training provided him with valuable leadership experience, which he would later apply in his military career. He also served as the deputy manager of the Multi-Purpose Center in Juba from 1981 to 1983.
Political Activism and Joining the SPLAKuol Manyang’s political activism began early, as he was an underground supporter of the Anya-Nya I movement, which advocated for armed resistance against the Khartoum regime during the First Sudanese Civil War. His growing desire for military solutions to address the oppression of southern Sudanese led him to join the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and its armed wing, the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in 1983.
Military Career and CommandLeaving his civil service career behind, Kuol Manyang traveled to Bonga Ethiopia, to undergo military training as part of the SPLA. This marked the beginning of his active involvement in South Sudan's armed struggle for liberation.
Kuol Manyang’s military career in the SPLA quickly accelerated. After successfully completing his training, he was commissioned with the rank of major then referred to as alternate commander) and , In the same year, Kuol Manyang furthered his military education by attending strategic war studies at a military college, enhancing his understanding of military strategy and tactics. After completing this advanced training in 1985, General Kuol Manyang Juuk was appointed as the Commander of the Central Southern Sudan Zonal Command, replacing Arok Thon Arok, who had served as the Zone Commander between 1984 and 1985. This was a significant appointment within the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), as the Central Southern Sudan Zone was a key strategic area in the liberation struggle.
Kuol Manyang’s appointment followed his demonstrated leadership abilities and success in previous military operations. As Zonal Commander, he was responsible for overseeing military operations, strategy, and the coordination of SPLA forces within the region. His leadership during this period was crucial in maintaining control over key territories and organizing SPLA forces during some of the most intense phases of the conflict with the Sudanese government.
In 1987, General Kuol Manyang Juuk initiated the mobilization of the Red Army, a strategic move born out of his belief that the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) needed to prepare the younger generation for a prolonged struggle. His analysis was that the liberation struggle might extend for many years, and it was essential to educate and train children so that they could serve as a new generation of leaders, soldiers, and administrators when the older fighters could no longer continue.
Kuol Manyang's philosophy was that by educating and training these children, they would not only contribute to the SPLA's efforts during the conflict but also be equipped to rebuild and lead a future, independent South Sudan. His vision was twofold: liberate the country and educate the children, so they could eventually take over the leadership of the revolution.
These children, referred to as the Red Army, were sent to SPLA training camps where they were educated and trained in military skills. Many of them, however, were displaced by the war and fled to refugee camps in neighboring countries like Ethiopia and Kenya. Over time, a significant number of them became known as the Lost Boys of Sudan, due to their perilous journeys and displacement during the civil war.
A large portion of these Lost Boys were eventually resettled in the United States and other countries around the world. In the U.S., they found new lives, gained education, and many of them later returned to South Sudan after independence in 2011 to contribute to the development of their homeland. Kuol Manyang’s early vision of educating and preparing the youth for leadership played a crucial role in shaping the future of these boys, who not only survived one of the worst humanitarian crises but also became symbols of resilience and hope for the newly independent South Sudan.
The Liberation of Bor Town and Other Military SuccessesKuol Manyang’s leadership was instrumental in the liberation of Bor-Town in 1989, a key victory for the SPLA during the Second Sudanese Civil War. Alongside other commanders those include many other commanders that i don’t mention , Kuol Manyang’s strategic brilliance and battlefield leadership were pivotal in this significant victory. His role in leading the Koryom Battalion through some of the most intense battles of the war solidified his reputation as a courageous and effective military leader.
In the early 1990s, Kuol Manyang Juuk held several significant positions within the Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M). He was a provisional member of the SPLA/M Political-Military High Command, which was the highest decision-making body within the movement. This elite group of commanders was responsible for guiding the SPLA/M's military strategies and political decisions during the ongoing struggle for South Sudan’s independence.
As part of the Political-Military High Command, Kuol Manyang was among the top leadership, alongside notable figures such as Dr. John Garang de Mabior, the leader of the SPLA/M, and other prominent military and political commanders. Below is the list of commanders in the SPLA/M High Command, ranked by seniority:
1.Cdr Dr. John GarangKuol Manyang’s position as 14th in seniority reflects his critical role within the movement's military leadership. As part of the SPLA/M High Command, he was instrumental in shaping the SPLA/M’s policies and guiding its military operations during one of the most crucial periods of the Sudanese Civil War. This period saw the SPLA/M consolidating its territorial gains and negotiating its stance for a peaceful resolution to the war, which eventually led to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005.
Kuol Manyang’s involvement in the SPLA/M leadership was crucial not only for military success but also for the political evolution of the movement, which later transitioned from a liberation force into the governing party of South Sudan after independence in 2011. His leadership and experience contributed significantly to the SPLA/M’s achievements during the war and its subsequent political development.
General Kuol Manyang Juuk is not only celebrated as a decorated military commander but also as a politically astute leader within the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). His political acumen has been instrumental in shaping the SPLM's policies and governance strategies throughout the struggle for South Sudan’s independence and beyond.
Political LeadershipKuol Manyang was appointed as a member of the SPLM Leadership Council, the body responsible for guiding the political direction of the movement. As part of this high-level council, he played a key role in determining the SPLM's policies, political strategies, and governance approach during a critical period of the liberation struggle.
Chairman of the SPLM Economic Commission:As the Chairman of the SPLM Economic Commission, Kuol Manyang oversaw the economic policies of the movement. His role involved developing strategies for managing resources in SPLM-controlled areas, planning for the economic future of a potential independent South Sudan, and coordinating efforts to ensure the sustainability of territories under SPLA/M administration. This position required a deep understanding of economic frameworks, and Kuol Manyang’s leadership helped to ensure that the SPLM had a functional economic strategy during the war.
(Governor of Upper Nile Region (1994–1999): From 1994 to 1999 Kuol Manyang served as the Governor of Upper Nile Region, one of the largest and most resource-rich regions in southern Sudan. His tenure as governor was marked by efforts to stabilise the region, which had been a hotspot of conflict, and promote development amidst the ongoing war. As governor, he focused on balancing military efforts with governance, ensuring that the SPLM maintained both control and the confidence of the local populations. His leadership in Upper Nile was crucial for sustaining SPLM's influence and ensuring the survival of key populations in the fight for independence.
Legacy in Political GovernanceKuol Manyang's political career has been characterised by his ability to balance military leadership with political governance. As a skilled politician, he contributed significantly to the SPLM’s internal governance structures and the movement’s ability to function not only as a liberation army but also as a political entity capable of managing civil affairs. His roles on the SPLM Leadership Council, as Chairman of the Economic Commission, and as Governor of Upper Nile demonstrated his capability in both the military and political arenas.
His leadership during these years, combined with his military contributions, positioned Kuol Manyang as a central figure in both the SPLA/M’s military and political operations. He was a critical player in setting the foundation for the governance structures that would later be adopted by South Sudan after its independence in 2011. His political foresight and governance experience were vital in preparing the SPLM for its transformation from a liberation movement into the ruling party of a sovereign state.
After the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, which ended decades of civil war between the North and South, a Government of National Unity (GoNU) was formed in Sudan. In this new government, General Kuol Manyang Juuk was appointed as the Minister of Roads and Bridges. This appointment came under the leadership of President Omar al-Bashir as part of the power-sharing agreement outlined in the CPA between the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the Sudanese government.
As Minister of Roads and Bridges, Kuol Manyang was responsible for overseeing the development and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in Sudan, particularly in the war-torn southern regions. His role was vital in facilitating transport and economic recovery efforts after years of destruction during the civil war. His leadership in this ministry was part of the broader SPLM effort to rebuild Southern Sudan in preparation for eventual independence, which was achieved in 2011 following the referendum.
On 15 of December 2007, General Kuol Manyang Juuk was relieved from his position as the Minister of Roads and Bridges in the Government of National Unity in Khartoum. Following this, he was appointed as Governor of Jonglei State.
In this role, Kuol Manyang was tasked with governing one of South Sudan’s largest and most volatile states. Jonglei was known for frequent ethnic conflicts, cattle raids, child abduction and inter-communal violence. As governor, his leadership focused on promoting peace and stability, fostering development, and addressing local security challenges. His tenure as governor was marked by efforts to mediate conflicts between rival ethnic groups and work towards economic development in the post-Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) era.
Kuol Manyang remained in this position until 2013, playing a crucial role in Jonglei’s governance during a period of significant transformation in South Sudan, as the country transitioned from a semi-autonomous region of Sudan into an independent nation in 2011. His leadership in Jonglei was a key part of his broader legacy of public service both before and after South Sudan’s independence.
In the 2010 General Election, General Kuol Manyang Juuk was declared the winner of the gubernatorial race for Jonglei State on the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) ticket. He secured a total of 167,387 votes, defeating two major challengers: George Athor Dut, an independent candidate who garnered 67,639 votes, and Joseph Duer of the National Congress Party (NCP), who received 16,704 votes.
With this victory, Kuol Manyang was not only re-elected as the Governor of Jonglei State but also became the Chairman of the SPLM Party in Jonglei. His election solidified his political leadership within the state and allowed him to continue his efforts in addressing the numerous challenges facing Jonglei, including ethnic violence, cattle raiding, and efforts to promote peace and development. His governorship came during a pivotal period, as South Sudan was on the path to independence following the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and subsequent referendum in 2011.
In the lead-up to the 2011 South Sudan Referendum, General Kuol Manyang Juuk played a crucial role in campaigning for the secession of South Sudan from Sudan. His efforts were instrumental in rallying support for independence among the Southern population. Kuol Manyang became known for his impassioned speeches, famously quoting the phrase "Let my people go," a powerful biblical reference that resonated with many South Sudanese, symbolizing their long struggle for freedom from oppression under the Khartoum regime.
His leadership in the campaign, both as the Governor of Jonglei State and a senior figure within the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), helped to galvanize overwhelming support for independence. The referendum saw a landslide victory for the independence movement, with 98.83% of voters in Southern Sudan choosing to secede from Sudan and form an independent state.
Kuol Manyang's advocacy and relentless push for independence were key factors in the success of the referendum, which ultimately led to the creation of the Republic of South Sudan on 9 July 2011. His contributions during this period cemented his legacy as a central figure in the struggle for South Sudanese independence.
In 2013, General Kuol Manyang Juuk was relieved from his position as the Governor of Jonglei State and was appointed by the President of the Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, as the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs. This appointment came at a critical time, as South Sudan was experiencing heightened political tensions and security challenges.
As the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Kuol Manyang was tasked with overseeing the country’s defense forces, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), and addressing issues related to veterans who had fought in the long civil wars. His appointment placed him at the forefront of managing South Sudan's security apparatus during the onset of the South Sudanese Civil War in December 2013. His leadership in this position was crucial in navigating the complexities of the conflict and ensuring the country's military stability during a turbulent period.
Kuol Manyang’s deep military experience and veteran status made him a fitting choice for the role, where he focused on both immediate security concerns and the long-term needs of veterans who had played a key role in South Sudan’s independence struggle. His tenure as Minister of Defense was marked by efforts to maintain unity within the SPLA and manage the internal and external security challenges facing the young nation.
Today, General Kuol Manyang Juuk holds the prestigious position of Senior Presidential Advisor and serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) under the leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit. His long standing experience, both as a military commander and a political leader, makes him one of the most influential figures in South Sudan.
Throughout his career, Kuol Manyang has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's path from his contributions during the liberation struggle with the SPLA to his leadership in various governmental roles following South Sudan’s independence in 2011. As Senior Presidential Advisor, he continues to provide guidance on national security, governance, and development issues. His position as Deputy Chairman of the SPLM allows him to influence the party’s strategic direction and policy-making, ensuring stability and continuity in the nation's leadership.
Given his deep-rooted experience in military and political spheres, Kuol Manyang remains a key figure in efforts to navigate South Sudan through its challenges and toward a stable and prosperous future. His leadership continues to be instrumental in shaping the nation’s trajectory as it works toward peace, development, and national unity.