13/02/2025
Very important.
1. Bridging the gap between experience and innovation.
2. The world is watching and the history is waiting to be written.
Thanks Jecamer Senior Ajak Deng 🙏🙏🙏
The Changing Narrative of Old vs Young in South Sudan
On 10 February, President Salva Kiir Mayardit made a significant reshuffle to his cabinet. Among the most consequential appointments was that of Dr Bol Mel Kuol, who had previously served as the President’s adviser for special programmes. According to those who know him well, Dr Bol is considered one of the Jecamer of Dimmo, positioning him as a young veteran of the liberation movement. The Jecamer were once called "seeds"—a generation nurtured with the hope that their potential would one day shape the future. How these seeds would grow remained a question for history to answer.
Dr Bol first made his name as an entrepreneur during the early years of South Sudan’s peace, quickly establishing himself in business before transitioning into full-time leadership. Over the years, he rose through the ranks of the ruling SPLM, served as a general in the SPLA, and later became a presidential adviser. Now, he finds himself at the very heart of national decision-making as Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan.
As a Jecamer myself, I do not merely analyse this appointment from a journalistic perspective but from the deeper motivation that it carries. Some readers may have their expectations of how this story should be told, but I choose to examine what this means for young people, particularly the Jecamer—whether from Dimmo, Pinywudo, or Polataka.
The President, granted the constitutional power of appointment, has once again demonstrated his authority. The reactions to this decision will undoubtedly vary, but first and foremost, congratulations are in order for His Excellency Dr Bol Mel Kuol on his appointment as Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan. While this appointment may be debated, one undeniable fact stands: this is a landmark moment for the youth of South Sudan. It signifies a major shift in leadership, bringing the Jecamer into the uppermost echelons of government.
For years, President Salva Kiir has faced criticism for not including enough young people in the executive. The appointment of Dr Bol Mel presents a counter-narrative—an argument that change is happening. Across the ten states, young people have been steadily rising to leadership, with a growing number of ministers and legislators under the age of 50. This transition is not just symbolic; it is structural. Dr Bol’s elevation to the presidency does not signal a generational exit of the old guard but instead creates an opportunity for collaboration between generations.
A closer look at South Sudan’s governance today reveals that many critical institutions—including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Taxation Commission—are already in the hands of young Ministers/professionals. Having personally visited several government offices, I have seen firsthand that this generational shift is taking shape. Regardless of differing opinions, the inclusion of young people at the decision-making table is a significant and promising development.
However, leadership is never a solitary endeavour. The only advice that can be given to those around Dr Bol is this: strong leaders are not born—they are built. With the right team, he has a remarkable opportunity to redefine leadership in South Sudan. He carries a weighty burden, not only of governance but also of expectation—from a nation eager for progress and from a generation seeking representation. He must navigate the delicate balance between the older SPLM veterans and the younger political class, bridging the gap between experience and innovation.
As a constitutional office holder and a young Jecamer among the older SPLA veterans, Dr Bol Mel Kuol faces a defining challenge. His success or failure will not be his alone; it will set the tone for the future of South Sudan’s young leaders. This is more than just an appointment—it is a test of whether South Sudan is ready to embrace the leadership of its next generation.
The seeds of the Jecamer have now germinated. The question is no longer whether young people can lead—it is what they will do with the opportunity they have been given. The world is watching, and history is waiting to be written.
Ajak Deng Chiengkou