The Contribution of the Bor Community to South Sudan’s Liberation Struggles

By Daniel Abuoi Jook, Juba, South Sudan

Abstract

This article critically examines the significant role played by the Bor community in South Sudan’s long and arduous liberation struggle against marginalization and oppression by successive regimes in Khartoum. From the First Sudanese Civil War to the eventual independence of South Sudan in 2011, the Bor people made pivotal contributions through military enlistment, leadership, ideological framing, and sacrifice. At the center of this history stands Dr. John Garang de Mabior, a native of Bor, whose vision and leadership defined the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A). This paper explores the historical, military, and political contributions of the Bor community and assesses their continued role in post-independence South Sudan.

Introduction

The independence of South Sudan in July 2011 marked the end of decades of civil conflict between the northern Sudanese regime and the marginalized populations of the south. While the liberation struggle involved diverse communities, the Bor community played a central role, both in shaping the ideological foundation of the liberation movement and supplying it with leadership and manpower. The Bor are part of the Dinka ethnic group and predominantly reside in Jonglei State. Their strategic geographic location, socio-political organization, and active involvement in resistance movements positioned them as a driving force in the formation and operations of the SPLM/A. This essay examines the multifaceted contributions of the Bor community to the South Sudanese liberation and nation-building process.

Historical Background: The Foundations of Resistance

The roots of the liberation struggle can be traced back to the colonial and post-colonial policies of Sudan. Following independence from Anglo-Egyptian rule in 1956, the northern-led government quickly instituted Islamic and Arab-centric policies that marginalized non-Arab and non-Muslim communities in the south. In response, southern soldiers mutinied at Torit in 1955, marking the beginning of the First Sudanese Civil War (1955–1972). The Bor community, particularly educated youth and soldiers, were early recruits into the Anya-Nya movement, the southern rebel group. Many Bor sons were stationed in Sudanese armed forces and defected to join the resistance, becoming some of the first cadres trained in guerilla warfare. Although the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement brought a temporary peace, it failed to address the fundamental grievances that led to the uprising. In 1983, conflict resumed, and this time, Bor became even more central to the struggle.

Formation and Rise of the SPLM/A: The Bor Imprint

One of the most critical contributions of the Bor community was the emergence of Dr. John Garang de Mabior as the founding leader of the SPLM/A. A U.S.-trained economist and military officer, Garang rejected the secessionist approach of the earlier Anya-Nya and instead advocated for a ‘New Sudan’ — a secular, inclusive, and democratic Sudan for all its citizens. Garang’s ideological clarity and strategic thinking attracted wide support, and Bor became a symbolic center for the movement. The SPLA’s early campaigns were launched with heavy backing from Bor recruits, and the region served as a logistical and training base for much of the 1980s. Garang’s leadership ensured that the SPLM/A evolved from a guerilla force into a formidable political and military organization that engaged not only in combat but also in diplomacy and international lobbying.

Military Contributions: Manpower and Strategy

The Bor community provided significant manpower to the SPLA. Thousands of young men from Bor villages joined the movement, leaving behind families and livelihoods in pursuit of a liberated South Sudan. Some of the most disciplined and battle-hardened battalions in the SPLA were composed of fighters from Bor and surrounding areas. Notably, Commander Kuol Manyang Juuk, a senior SPLA officer from Bor, played a crucial role in shaping SPLA military strategy and discipline. Known for his firm leadership and battlefield effectiveness, he helped enforce organizational structure within SPLA ranks and was instrumental in key military offensives during the civil war.

The 1991 Bor Massacre: Tragedy and Resilience

The most devastating event in the Bor community’s liberation history was the 1991 split within the SPLA. Led by Riek Machar and Lam Akol, a faction broke away to form SPLA-Nasir, citing Garang’s authoritarianism and lack of democratic practices. This political disagreement turned into armed confrontation, and in the process, the Bor area was targeted. In what became known as the 1991 Bor Massacre, SPLA-Nasir forces launched attacks on Bor civilians, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 2,000–5,000 people, widespread destruction of property, and massive displacement. Yet the community’s resilience was remarkable. Many survivors remained committed to the liberation cause and continued to support SPLM/A activities even in exile.

Post-Independence Role and Political Engagement

Following South Sudan’s independence in 2011, many Bor leaders transitioned into political and administrative positions. Key positions in the military, legislature, and civil service were filled by individuals from the Bor community, owing to their longstanding loyalty to the SPLM. After independence, Kuol Manyang Juuk became one of South Sudan’s most prominent political leaders, serving as Governor of Jonglei and later as Minister of Defense. His advocacy for security sector reform and national integration reflects the Bor community’s continued influence in shaping South Sudan’s future. Despite the return of civil conflict in 2013, Bor continues to advocate for unity, peace, and reconciliation.

Conclusion

The Bor community has been a cornerstone of South Sudan’s liberation journey. From the early days of armed resistance to leading one of Africa’s most significant liberation movements under Dr. John Garang, Bor has sacrificed and contributed immensely to the country’s independence and state-building. While the community has suffered disproportionately during both the civil wars and the post-independence crisis, its commitment to peace, justice, and unity remains unwavering. The legacy of Bor’s contribution is not only written in military triumphs and political leadership but also in the community’s enduring pursuit of a peaceful and democratic South Sudan.

References

– Johnson, D. H. (2003). The Root Causes of Sudan’s Civil Wars. Indiana University Press.
– Johnson, D. H. (2016). South Sudan: A New History for a New Nation. Ohio University Press.
– Rolandsen, Ø. H. (2005). Guerrilla Government: Political Changes in the Southern Sudan during the 1990s. Nordic Africa Institute.
– Young, J. (2012). The Fate of Sudan: The Origins and Consequences of a Flawed Peace Process. Zed Books.
– Deng, F. M. (1995). War of Visions: Conflict of Identities in the Sudan. Brookings Institution Press.
– SPLM/A Archives. (2021). Interviews and internal military records, Juba.

Chart 1: Timeline of Key Events Involving the Bor Community

Chart 2: Estimated SPLA Participation by Region

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