Lam Akol: An academic turned prominent political leader in South Sudan

Written by: Mohamed Ragab

Lam Akol Ajawin is one of the most prominent political figures in South Sudan, having combined academic work, political activism, and participation in armed movements, before assuming high-ranking government positions in both Sudan and South Sudan.

For decades, his name has remained present in the political scene due to his changing positions and alliances, and his role in issues of peace and governance.

Early Life and Academic Career

Lam Akol was born in 1950 in Fangak, Jonglei State, and belongs to the Shilluk tribe, one of the largest ethnic groups in South Sudan. He received his primary education in South Sudan before moving to the University of Khartoum, where he studied chemical engineering.

Akol continued his academic career outside Sudan, obtaining a PhD in chemical engineering from a British university, before working as a university professor and academic researcher, which earned him a distinguished scientific reputation before entering the world of politics.

Joining the Popular Movement

In the 1980s, Lam Akol joined the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) led by John Garang, which was fighting the Sudanese government at the time. During the years of the civil war, he played an important political and military role within the movement.

In 1991, he joined Riek Machar in the famous split from the SPLM, known as the ”Nasir split,” an event that marked a significant turning point in the history of the conflict in South Sudan and affected the course of the civil war for many years.

Government and diplomatic positions

After the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005 between the Sudanese government and the SPLM, Lam Akol returned to the official political arena and assumed the position of Sudanese Foreign Minister between 2005 and 2007.

During his time as minister, he led Sudanese diplomacy through a sensitive period that witnessed major political developments, including the implementation of the peace agreement and preparations related to the future of South Sudan.

Founding of the Democratic Change Party

After South Sudan gained independence in 2011, Lam Akol founded the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-Democratic Change, which later became one of the country’s leading opposition parties.

Akol was known for his criticism of successive governments in Juba, his call for strengthening democracy, political dialogue and institutional reform, and his participation in a number of initiatives aimed at ending internal conflicts and achieving national reconciliation.

A role in peace efforts

During the years of civil war in South Sudan, Lam Akol played multiple political roles within the dialogue and negotiation processes between the warring parties. He also participated in discussions related to the implementation of peace agreements and the rebuilding of state institutions.

His supporters see him as one of the most prominent southern politicians with extensive experience in negotiation and diplomacy, while his critics believe that his numerous and changing political alliances have affected his popularity at certain stages.

An influential figure in the political scene

Lam Akol is still regarded as one of the most influential and experienced politicians in South Sudan, given his career which has spanned from academic work to leading political movements and holding government and diplomatic positions.

As South Sudan continues to face political and security challenges, Akol remains a prominent figure in discussions about the future of governance, political reform, and state-building.