Jonglei North to Benefit from Malakal Coordination Centre

(MALAKAL) – The Governor of Jonglei State, Dr Riek Gai Kok, has ordered the establishment of a new coordination office in Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State, to serve the state’s remote northern counties which face severe difficulties accessing services from the state capital, Bor.

The order, issued on 22 July 2025, is intended to improve service delivery, representation, and coordination for the counties of Pigi, Fangak, Northern Ayod, and Northern Nyirol. These areas are separated from Bor by natural barriers and insecurity, which frequently disrupt access to state-level administrative and social services.

Dr Riek Gai Kok exercised his constitutional authority under Article 99(2)(a) of the Transitional Constitution of Jonglei State 2011 (as amended), stating in the order that the office will operate with the legal standing of a directorate within a state ministry.

“This is a necessary step to make sure that all regions of Jonglei receive equal attention from the state government,” he said in a brief statement after signing the order.

The office will report directly to the Secretary General of the Jonglei State Government and will be tasked with representing the interests of the northern counties in dealings with both government and non-government institutions.

The office is expected to become a central point of coordination in Malakal for all matters affecting northern Jonglei, including security, humanitarian access, development planning, and citizen engagement.

The move has been welcomed by residents and local officials who have long complained of being left behind due to the geographical and logistical disconnect from Bor.

Monychol Majok, a resident of Pigi County, said the office could help improve communication and service provision in the area.

“It is a welcome development for us,” he said. “We are so far from Bor that it feels like we are not part of the state. Now we will have a direct line to the government. This office will help us report issues more easily, especially when it comes to insecurity, education, and health services.”

Fangak County Commissioner Johnson Kuol Gach also welcomed the announcement, describing it as “a great relief” for the people of the region.

“Our communities have waited for this kind of development,” he said. “It will greatly improve our link to the government, speed up response to issues, and ensure our voices are heard.”

The coordination office is also expected to support humanitarian access in a region frequently impacted by seasonal floods, intercommunal conflict and displacement. The new office will not only assist with government matters but also coordinate with aid agencies operating in Upper Nile and Jonglei border areas.