-
@ Bhang
2025-06-02 17:18:45By: Morris Kuol Yoll
South Sudan’s political landscape has undergone significant shifts, with Bol Mel’s rapid rise sparking intense debate. His appointment as First Vice President by President Salva Kiir, along with his roles as Special Presidential Envoy for Sudan, Deputy Secretary for the SPLM Party, and his promotion to General, has led many to speculate that Kiir is grooming him as his successor.
This shift in leadership strategy contrasts sharply with South Sudan’s historical pattern of political succession, traditionally shaped by military and revolutionary credentials. Bol Mel’s path to power, however, appears orchestrated through political favoritism rather than earned through military or democratic legitimacy. His ascent has raised fundamental questions about his leadership capabilities, legitimacy, and public acceptance in a country where succession has long been determined by hierarchical seniority within the SPLM/A.
As South Sudan approaches another critical political transition, understanding the historical foundations of leadership in the SPLM/A and contrasting past leaders’ paths to power against Bol Mel’s political trajectory offers valuable insight into whether his leadership will be accepted or challenged by the South Sudanese people.
The Rise of the SPLM and Dr. John Garang’s Leadership
Before the armed struggle erupted in 1983, Southern Sudanese practiced multiparty democracy, electing their High Executive Council leaders through a democratic system, despite periodic interference from the Sudanese regime. However, the formation of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) fundamentally altered South Sudan’s political direction.
The SPLM was both a liberation movement and a military force, led by Dr. John Garang, who simultaneously held the positions of political leader and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLA. Unlike previous leaders who championed South Sudanese autonomy, Garang pursued the New Sudan ideology, advocating for unity rather than separation. Under his leadership, alternative ideologies, including independence, were discouraged, forcing veteran Southern Sudanese politicians who had joined the liberation struggle to align with the SPLM’s ideological framework.
Dr. John Garang’s Path to Leadership
Despite being a colonel in the Sudanese army, Dr. John Garang had never held a political position in either the Sudanese government or Southern Sudan’s administration. He was largely unknown to Southern Sudanese civilians, except for his military colleagues, who recognized his political inclinations.
In 1983, following Major Kerbino Kuanyin Bol’s rebellion, Garang, along with other commanders, joined the armed struggle. While South Sudan had numerous seasoned politicians from various parties, they were excluded from forming the SPLM, consolidating Garang’s political and military dominance.
Resistance from veterans of Anyanya-Two initially challenged Garang’s leadership, but his close allies—Kerbino Kuanyin Bol, William Nyuon Bany, and Salva Kiir Mayardit—helped secure his authority, allowing him to establish both the SPLM and SPLA as the defining forces of Southern Sudan and the Sudan’s liberation movement.
Garang’s Leadership and Public Acceptance
Garang’s ability to lead the liberation struggle was rooted in his military training and higher education, qualities that Southern Sudanese recognized and embraced. Unlike other leaders, he did not rely on political favoritism—his success was a result of his charisma, strategic thinking, and ability to define South Sudan’s grievances on a national platform.
Under Garang, Southern Sudanese felt politically represented for the first time in Sudanese politics. His leadership allowed him to articulate the injustices faced by South Sudan and marginalized regions, gaining him widespread support.
Upon his tragic death, the leadership baton was passed to Salva Kiir, who inherited power through the traditional military succession line, marking a stark contrast to the political path Bol Mel is now taking.
Salva Kiir’s Rise to Power and the Contrast with Bol Mel’s Leadership
Following Dr. Garang’s death, General Salva Kiir, as Garang’s Vice President, was swiftly confirmed as his successor. His rise to power followed the SPLM/A’s hierarchical line of succession, making his leadership widely accepted by South Sudanese.
Unlike Garang, who pursued unity with Sudan, Kiir was widely perceived as a champion of Southern Sudan’s independence. This belief helped solidify his leadership, ensuring broad public support as he led the country through the 2011 Referendum, ultimately becoming South Sudan’s first President.
In stark contrast, Bol Mel’s rise lacks revolutionary legitimacy, as his leadership appears imposed rather than organically earned. His absence from the liberation struggle, coupled with allegations of corruption, places his acceptance at serious risk.
Bol Mel’s Business and Political Credibility: Challenges to His Legitimacy
Bol Mel’s business background, rather than military credentials, forms the foundation of his political presence. Questions surrounding how he amassed his wealth, particularly his control over major government-funded projects, oil exports, and road construction, have made his legitimacy a contentious issue.
Public concerns over his business dealings, particularly his alleged involvement in crude oil quotas meant for infrastructure development, fuel accusations of corruption, as roads promised through oil-funded projects remain unfinished despite years of revenue collection.
Unlike past SPLM leaders, whose military and revolutionary credentials secured their leadership, Bol Mel’s reputation is largely built on financial power, making his credibility in leading the country questionable.
Question of Bol Mel’s Political and Generational Positioning
While Bol Mel is portrayed as a younger generation leader, the SPLM has many capable younger members who would warrant legitimate public support. His rise does not represent a merit-based generational shift, but rather political favoritism engineered by President Kiir.
Furthermore, the SPLM party has gradually lost its ideological foundation, existing more in name than in practice. Loyal SPLM/A veterans have been sidelined, while outsiders, who joined after the peace agreement, now dominate political leadership.
Kiir’s systematic removal of key SPLM/A officers appears to be clearing the path for Bol Mel, making his transition controversial rather than widely accepted.
Conclusion & Summary
Bol Mel’s rise to power significantly challenges South Sudan’s traditional leadership structure. Unlike previous leaders who earned legitimacy through revolutionary struggle, Bol Mel’s leadership appears as favoritism rather than earned.
His military credentials are weak, his business empire is tied to corruption allegations, and his public support base is limited.
The South Sudanese people yearn for strong leadership—one that fights corruption, invests in development, and fosters peace in a deeply divided country. Bol Mel does not exhibit these qualities at present, which will complicate his acceptance if he ascends to power.
Ultimately, South Sudan’s next leader must unify the country, promote development, and restore political trust—qualities that Bol Mel has yet to demonstrate. This raises questions about whether his leadership will bring stability or intensify political turmoil.
Morris Kuol Yoll is a South Sudanese Canadian who resides in Alberta, Canada, and can be reached at: myoll2002@yahoo.com