The Enduring Legacy of Nuer Prophets in the Political and Military Affairs of South Sudan (Part 2)

By PaanLuel Wël, Juba, South Sudan

Introduction

Sunday, 13 April 2025 (PW) — The detention of Dr. Riek Machar and his dethroning as chairman of the SPLM-IO by Hon. Stephen Par Kuol has sent shockwaves among his supporters across the world. As a coping mechanism, many have retreated to the comfort of Lou Nuer prophet Ngundeng Bong who is said to have prophesied the supposedly divinely ordained presidency of Dr. Riek Machar, the left-handed, gap-toothed Nuer descendant of Teny-Dhurgon. In part one of ‘The Enduring Legacy of Nuer Prophets in the Political and Military Affairs of South Sudan’, I argued that Nuer spiritual leaders have consistently been a decisive force in South Sudan’s political and military landscape, from British colonial administration through Dr. John Garang’s SPLM/SPLA liberation struggle to President Kiir’s current government.

Prophets Ngundeng Bong Chan and Agwek Ngundeng spearheaded Nuer resistance against British rule. Following the 1991 Nasir coup led by Dr. Riek Machar and Dr. Lam Akol, Prophet Wurnyang Gatkek mobilized the White Army’s devastating military campaign against the Twic, Hol, Bor, and Nyarweng Dinka communities, culminating in the tragic Mading-Bor massacre. After the 2013 Juba mutiny, Prophet Dak Kueth rallied the White Army on their march toward Juba, advancing to within kilometers of Mangala before being halted at the capital’s doorstep. In 2025, following the White Army’s assault on Nasir and the killing of Gen. David Majur Dak Thel, Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel Kuol and Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok dispatched a strategic peace delegation to prophets Dak Kueth of Lou Nuer and Makuach Tut of Gawaar Nuer to prevent South Sudan from descending into a second civil war after Dr. Riek Machar’s detention.

Who is Ngundeng Bong Chan?

Nuer prophets serve not only as military leaders but also as seers, comparable to Old Testament prophets, who foretell the future. Beyond leading the White Army, prophets like Ngundeng Bong are said to have predicted contemporary political and military developments in South Sudan. Ngundeng Bong Chan was a renowned prophet among the Nuer community whose birth was considered miraculous. His mother, Nyayiel Malual, came from the Lou Nuer of Nyirol County, while his father Bong Chan was from the Eastern Jikany Nuer of Gajaak in Nasir County. As one of Bong Chan’s numerous wives, Nyayiel Malual reportedly faced hostility from other wives, limiting her time with him and preventing conception for a considerable period. According to oral tradition, a divine intervention changed her circumstances. One evening, while Bong Chan was traveling to visit his other wives, a sudden, intense rainstorm forced him to seek shelter in Nyayiel’s nearby hut. The downpour continued relentlessly, compelling him to spend the night. Several months later, Nyayiel became pregnant. Believing this conception resulted directly from divine intervention through the storm, she named her son “Ngundeng,” meaning “God-given,” expressing her gratitude.

As he matured, Ngundeng was believed to become possessed by a powerful spirit and presented himself as an earthly representative of Deng, the supreme sky god in Dinka and Nuer religion. Ngundeng established a prominent pyramid-like shrine (Bieh) dedicated to Deng at Wech Deng in Awaat, Nyirol County, Jonglei state. Devotion to Ngundeng persists among the Nuer, evidenced by practices such as followers offering prayers and praises in a church built in his memory in Pagaak, Nasir County. Oral tradition indicates that as Ngundeng’s spiritual powers waned, he became vulnerable and was bewitched, leading to his death around 1906, a phenomenon reportedly similar to what transpired to Wurnyang Gatkek, who is linked to the 1991 Mading-Bor massacre. Ngundeng’s prophecies, often conveyed through traditional songs, continue to exert influence. They are credited with foretelling major events, including Sudan’s eventual breakup, Dr. John Garang’s death, Salva Kiir’s rise to power, and the supposedly divinely ordained presidency of Dr. Riek Machar, the left-handed, gap-toothed Nuer descendant of Teny-Dhuorgon.

Prophecies about Major Personalities in South Sudan

Ngundeng’s prophetic songs are said to have foretold South Sudan’s destiny in the Jiech Nyaal, a compiled book containing prognoses of major events and precise mentions of individual leaders who have played key roles in South Sudan’s history. For instance, his assertion that “my flag cannot be mixed with that of Arab” is interpreted as predicting South Sudan’s separation and independence; “I will rule ten states” is seen as foretelling the establishment of South Sudan’s administrative states; “Generations of leaders will perish and a Nuer son would raise a new flag” is understood as prophesying that Dr. Riek Machar would raise South Sudan’s independence flag; and “Gawaar who defied God’s words, I will strike him with a stick and the sound will be heard by all Kuol’s children” is believed to predict Hon. Stephen Par Kuol taking over from Dr. Riek Machar and the punishment that would ensued against him.

Ngundeng is said to have predicted Dr. John Garang’s leadership and violent demise in a helicopter crash with the prophecy: “The flames of fire of the God’s long bearded man shall be widespread.” Others claim the long-bearded man refers to President Kiir and the end of his reign. Ngundeng reportedly foretold President Kiir’s rise with his song about a leader called “Kiir Nyal Diing” who would lead the people, suggesting that President Kiir would succeed Dr. John Garang and lead people to independence. In Thuong Naath, “Nyal Diing” means many dotted colors, like those of a cow or leopard, signifying “Kiir of many colors.” Ngundeng reportedly said President Kiir would bring him messages, suggesting news of South Sudan’s independence: “Kiir Nyal Diing will bring me messages.” However, the word “lom” for messages connotes “gossip” or “secret messages” in both Nuer and Dinka languages, potentially portending the civil war under President Kiir.

The most controversial prophecies concern Dr. Riek Machar, prophecies that appear to have significantly driven his political ambitions, not just regarding the 1991 Nasir coup but also in South Sudan’s current political and military affairs. In his book “The Politics of Liberation in South Sudan,” Dr. Peter Adwok Nyaba writes: “Riek Machar had harbored some wild illusions that he was destined by divine will to lead the people of South Sudan. This is based on nothing but a legend that the Nuer prophet, Ngundeng, is said to have prophesied that a leader of South Sudan would come from the descendants of Teny-Dhurgon. Authentic versions of the legend don’t mention anything of Riek Machar being the leader of the South, although the legend is told and retold in a version palatable to Riek’s ego. On the contrary, it appears that Ngundeng was very angry with Teny, Riek’s grandfather. He had come to visit the prophet and, as custom, had to bring some bulls for the prophet. Teny hid the rest of the bulls in Gawaar and came with only one bull to report to the prophet who was then in Waat (Lou Nuer). The prophet knew Teny was lying and named him ‘Dhurgon,’ literally meaning ‘liar.'”

The prophecy Dr. Peter Adwok references relates to Ngundeng predicting a left-handed man with gapped teeth who would lead his flocks to prosperity and peace. Dr. Riek Machar’s supporters claim he was this prophesied left-handed man. Initially, this suggested Ngundeng had foretold Riek Machar raising South Sudan’s first independence flag. But the “Nuer son,” wildly claimed to be Riek Machar, didn’t raise the flag. As Journalist Machel Amos observed in 2011, “On the ancient prophecy on raising the South Sudanese flag, Ngundeng seemed to have misread the message from the spirits.” After Dr. Riek Machar neither raised the independence flag nor became South Sudan’s first president, his supporters maintained that he was divinely destined to become president as foretold by Ngundeng. Ngundeng reportedly prophesied: “I am walking with Riek with no one around him,” suggesting no opposition to Riek Machar’s presidency.

Ngundeng is said to have predicted war before Riek Machar’s presidency and that God would eliminate military officers to clear Riek Machar’s path to the presidency: “My Keer graves are wide open; Teny and disciple will make thundering sounds…I will first kill the military officers; I will kill them like the killing of Diu.” Ngundeng reportedly prophesied Riek Machar’s delayed presidency and that people would accuse Ngundeng of lying: “I will turn the nation upside down, facing up and facing down; like if it is not going to happen; all mouths will continue speaking doubts.” He added, “Talk about it as if it will not come to pass; when it explodes under the Bieh it will have a loud sound; let people talk about it as if it will not come to pass; the day it will explode under the Bieh it will have a huge sound.”

Regarding Riek Machar, Ngundeng reportedly said, “Nuer and Dinka, even if you dislike or reject me, I will still be your father someday,” suggesting both tribes would eventually embrace Riek Machar’s leadership. Similarly, regarding rejection and acceptance of Riek Machar, Ngundeng reportedly foretold: “Prophets (leaders); prophets of Nyaliep don’t reject the leader; God rules the land with vultures, and I am carrying a weapon that lightens the skies.”

Prophecies about Major Events in South Sudan

Regarding major events, Ngundeng reportedly prophesied the SPLM/SPLA armed struggle that began in May 1983 and led to South Sudan’s independence: “The war of last year is different; I am tired of being afraid my step brother; people of my father’s land, I am ceasing to get afraid; I have been trying to avoid war for a very long time; do you think my war is like eating grain?” Ngundeng reportedly said: “I will hit the circumcised; and he will leave behind all his properties; Jalaba has come across God who holds a big brand-new spear; the ten states will finally be ruled by big brand new spear.” Regarding civil war, Ngundeng foretold: “I will stir up the land; its case has not yet been settled.” He lamented the killing and destruction, asking God: “What are you fighting for God? The death of my cattle has become unbearable; ah, don’t give me fear God; let me endure it.” He also said, “Soldiers, wait for Jalaba in the land; let him first quarrel with God,” and “I will fight one war that I will not refuse from God; the God for whom I built the paduil; God said give me my shield; my dang has made a huge sound; we will burn down clothes in Luak; Jalaba I will kill you in countless hundreds.” He continued, “When I reach all the corners of my Luak I will call my children to come so that Jalaba will get us in our land; let the Luak reach to the skies,” and “I will use your weapons, I will use your weapons because Ngundeng’s nation has been envied; where will you go as it has been envied; return to God as the last choice.”

Ngundeng reportedly prophesied Arab troops leaving South Sudan after the 2005 CPA agreement: “Jalaba has quietly confined itself; its power has been reversed by God; if asking for my cow has become something bad; lift up your hands pleading and maybe you will have survivors; there are those who rush to meet their death; I have come, the God of the land, holding a weapon that lightens the skies.” Ngundeng reportedly foretold South Sudan’s independence, warning against mixing his flag with the Jalaba flag: “God holds a weapon that lightens the skies; all the poor will survive because of Ngundeng; Ngundeng Bong says bad things and also says good things; don’t mix my flag with the flag of Jalaba; receive the star from the East; it is because the leader talks to the deaf, who have forgotten the messages of the black cow.” He reportedly predicted not only independence but also South Sudan’s prosperity: “You have all come together, praying together all my children without bothering to know who is who; even the Ngok will participate in the building of the nation; don’t be afraid of Jalaba’s flags; the power has been in one person, but this will not be too confusing for the world (nation); my colored bull’s long horns reach to the skies; the power has lasted long with Jalaba, but will not be too confusing for the world; my colored bull’s long horns reach to the skies.”

Ngundeng reportedly predicted his dang (rod) returning: “If you have finished with the talks (debates) bring my rod (dang); I, the language grabber, am still seated.” British colonial authorities took the dang after killing Prophet Agwek Ngundeng in a punitive raid, and historian Douglas Johnson returned it to South Sudan after 80 years in 2013. Johnson’s PhD thesis focuses on Nuer prophets. Ngundeng reportedly predicted South Sudan’s ten states and conflict over Malakal: “The town of Malakal we will not continue to play games against each other; we will spend the whole of winter (season) running; and we will spend the whole of Summer in the wilderness; in the wilderness that I will ask for all my dues; Jalaba if I will get angry with you, your mother’s cooking utensils will float.”

Long before Dr. John Garang, Ngundeng reportedly prophesied widespread corruption in South Sudan: “Koryom Diet will eat in the land with smiles; they will eat and deny it; eat in it Nyajaak (light colored); my land’s agricultural produce have broken the straws or sticks.” This echoes Dr. John Garang’s 1990 prophecy: “People accuse me of killing our sons and eating people’s farm produces for nothing, but let me tell you this, our blood will be shed because I hate oppression and marginalization of our people but I will not even enjoy the fruits of this struggle. There are people sleeping comfortably right now, they don’t know the hunger or the sound of a gun. After our job is done that generation will take over; they will cut a large piece of land with pangas and sell it cheaply for a bottle of beer.”

Ngundeng reportedly predicted South Sudan’s civil war: “The day I will get angry the land (nation) will be unstable; it will be unstable; it will be unstable in the East, up to the West; south of it will be unstable; north of it will be unstable.” He reportedly foretold wartime killing and destruction: “My dogs have played against me; they have dragged my family on to fire; my family almost got destroyed; among our trees have no other bones; only the bones of humans; my children, I don’t know why.” Ngundeng reportedly foretold UPDF forces entering South Sudan: “Four leaders are yet to come with hundreds and thousands of strangers (forces)…on my right eye will be sun and moon,” suggesting foreign aggression against South Sudan by about four countries, though he predicted their defeat.

Conclusion: Rumors of Riek Machar’s Foretold Presidency

Dr. Riek Machar’s recent detention in Juba has sparked intense debate among SPLM-IO members about whether his supporters have misinterpreted Prophet Ngundeng Bong’s prophecies. Recent whispers about Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel’s rise as having been foretold by Ngundeng have raised questions about the intended meaning and subsequent interpretations of Ngundeng’s songs and prophecies in modern South Sudan. With Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel’s sudden political rise, some wonder: “If by any natural chance Dr. Riek Machar becomes President, he will be in his 80s because Bol Mel won’t give up power in 5 years once he secures leadership. Why would Ngundeng place South Sudan’s destiny in an old man’s hands when Ngundeng himself rose to power at age 12?” Another supporter concurred: “Been thinking about this as well, why would prophet Ngundeng make Gatmachar (Riek Machar) waste all his youthful years just to lead in his old age when there’s a lot to be done in this country? Like I always ask, is the prophet punishing us with all these or saving us from all these?”

Diehard devotees compare Dr. Riek Machar’s situation to Nelson Mandela’s, who was detained for years before eventually rising to deliver South Africa from apartheid. Indeed, strong belief in Ngundeng Bong’s prophecies and inspiration from Mandela’s story sustain hope among Dr. Riek Machar’s disillusioned supporters that their leader will one day emerge from his political tribulation to deliver South Sudan from President Kiir’s leadership. Whether this hope among Dr. Riek Machar’s factions is based on wild illusion consisting of nothing more than a “Dhurgon” (literally, a lie) remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the fact that followers eagerly await Riek Machar, a left-handed, gap-toothed man who will lead his people to prosperity and peace, demonstrates the enduring legacy of Nuer prophets in South Sudan’s political and military affairs.

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