25/02/2026
"Being a LIBERATOR is a great achievement. If it were not, Hon. Mabior Garang De Mabior, the current Minister of Environment, would not be in this position, as he himself, apart from his father, has contributed nothing and is a university dropout; therefore, he does not deserve to be in this position."
"Therefore Self-determination is necessarily viewed solely as secession".
Khor G. Luak kerjiok .( KERJIOK II)
The power struggle over succession among South Sudanese has led many to believe that everyone is fit to be president after President Kiir Mayardit. This situation has left many South Sudanese shocked and raises the question of who will be president after Kiir ?
In the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM/A), the principles during the liberation struggle emphasized a hierarchy, particularly regarding seniority. If seniority were not a factor, Salva Kiir Mayardit would not have succeeded Dr. John Garang De Mabior now, after President Kiir, Dr. Riek Machar Teny should automatically become president.
In an article drafted yesterday by Hon. Minister of Environment Mabior Garang De Mabior, he questioned whether being a liberator guarantees one the right to succeed their senior. The answer is yes; one can indeed be a successor in such a manner because Even Hon. Mabior knows very well that he contributed little to this country during the liberation struggle. If it were not for his father, he would likely not hold the ministerial position today as he lack the educational background required for such a role .
The identity of the "Father of Self-Determination" is clear and should not be distorted because of the power held by a few individuals ,so without a doubt, Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon (PhD) deserves recognition for his contributions, regardless of whether he becomes president or not. Any attempt to argue against this should be viewed as an expression of hatred toward the achievements of others.
Hon. Mabior, your father, Dr. John Garang De Mabior, made significant contributions to the movement but that does not automatically grant him the title "Father of Self-Determination." To be recognized in this way, one must meet certain criteria beyond merely being a liberator or a president.
Dr. Machar played a crucial role in the mental and ideological foundation that led South Sudan to nationhood. Dr. John Garang De Mabior aimed to rule the entire Sudan, which led to the conflict in 1991—an event that many in the Bor community consider a tragedy. However, it is important to recognize that without the 1991 Nasir Declaration, there would be no South Sudan as we know it today, a nation that currently benefits only a select few.
Conclusively, dear Hon. Mabior Garang De Mabior, I kindly request that you enjoy the fruits of your father's labor honestly, with care and respect for the liberators. Although they are currently being denied the benefits they deserve after carrying the burdens at first, their time will come as well.
"If Dr. Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon is not the father of self-determination, what is this if not mischief?
Thank you.
