# Ngok Lual Yak

Ngok Lual Yak is an African sub-tribe, within the Jiëŋ (Dinka) group. They are mainly found in Malakal, South Sudan and inhabit the land along the confluences of the Nile and Sobat rivers. It is believed that the sub-tribe numbers about 95,000. They are devoted ethnics and believe in Deŋdit as their provider. Some of Ngok sections are part of Bor Community and sections who identifies themselves as descendants of Ngok could still be traced!

## PART 1 - History

In the 16th century, it was believed that the People of Ngokland (Ngok Lual Yak) came to the shore of River Nile from the other side of the Lower Nile. Moving out from Sudd Swam (Piou) to the East, they came to control the region of the Upper Nile River, pushing out the Funj and Jur, the Achol Eliot (Acholi?). In the 18th century, with the arrival of the Nuer, Lual Yak together with his age-group and Ngok at large was forced to evacuate some areas, like Gaak-yuom in Bor, Jokou in Gajaak, Pakoop in Ayuaal, Pabiech in Kongoor and Piny-Wuut.
They were pushed by the Nuer along the Sobat into the mouth of the Nile in Malakal. The Ngok Lual Yak became the owners of the land that runs from Malakal to Dome (Dömë), Dini and Abwong (Abɔ̈ŋ) Cheng Nyankiir along the River Sobat into the Nile at Malakal. The main borders with Nuer are Nyinrool as the border with Lou Nuer, Cuei on the side of Kurmiyom with Jikeny and Aboorbioong on the Lang-nom (Ulang) side and Nyinwak with Nuer Yom (Gajaak).
The Ngokland people lived in two groups, namely Yom and Weny. Each group was further divided into sections and again into subsections. Ngok Lual Yak people owned NgokLand. They developed a skillful traditional culture and a close spiritual bond with the land. Early settlers were experts in hunting, fishing, farming, grazing and were skillful in spear and stick fighting. NgokLand ownership was by and for the people of Ngok Lual Yak.

### People, land and early migration

Ngok Lual Yak as a group is an original Jieng Group. The Jieng began with the single family of Deng with his wife Abuk. One myth tells that Deng after his mythical death turned out to be an unreasonable phenomena, thus deriving the Jieng to worship Deng as commonly known today as Dengdit.
Another myth explains that Deng is regarded as the main source that generate water. This caused the crops to grow. Facts about the Dengdit are yet to be known, but is akin to the Biblical story of Adam and Eve. Deng and Abuk are the twin marital progenitors of the Jieng Origin. Deng and Abuk are where Ngok People came from.
Ngok Lual Yak as a tribe branched out of Jieng group and staked out its own historical line. Ngok Lual Yak converged into the following groups.

## Ngok Lual Yak groups
### Yom group

Tol
* Awier
* Baliet
Yom
* Duut
* Balak
* Dhiaak

### Weny group

Paan Man Gok
* Ajuba
* Adong
Paan Man Weny
* Abiei
* Ngaar
* Achaak
* Jook
* Diing

## Other Ngok groups

Ngok is part of the biggest chain of the other groups of Ngok like Ngok de Jook. Historically Ngok is an umbrella name for the different groups, including the NgokLand People of Ngok Lual Yak. Following are the other groups of Ngok.
The following Ngok groups are either historically related or partly blood-related groups. Out of these groups, some are commonly known as the Pan Ayuel Jeel Family.

## Earlier Ngok group, according to migration history
### Ngok de Jok Group

* Ngok de Jok
* nyok mathiang

### Ruweeng

* Paanaruu
* Aloor
* Paweny

### Dongjol

* Nyiel
* Angaach
* Ageer
* Abilang
* Padang Hol
* Nyarweng

### Marbek

* Hol
* Duaar
* Angaach
* Rut & Thoi
Ruweng are counted as independent Groups due to their population expansion but emerged from within Ngok.
Luach Akook De Yieu is not part of Ngok Lual Yak since the emerging of Ngok from where the came from and it doesn't fall under Marbek. The above-mentioned subsection of Padang are intending needs to be assimilated in by Ngok while they are not Ngok in reality.

## People and land

Ngokland is an area on the Sobat river extending from Dome to Baliet and its border Akoka to the north and northeast. More lived along the Sobat than along the Nile in Baliet. The civil wars of 1955 and 1983 affected their distribution. NgokLand sinclude Baliet, Dakjur (Adong), Tubuu, Gel Dhiaak, Abwong (Abɔ̈ŋ), Gel Achol and to Dome (Dömë) up to Abwong Cheng Nyankiir. The land features many broad tree lines and a pastoral grassland within the central area. Many tributaries divide the land. Most live on the western bank of the river. Traditionally, most of the western bank was the domain of influential NgokLand settlers. It is also the most olden prestigious heritage of the group.

## Populations and resettlement

The exact Population number of Ngokland people of Ngok Lual Yak is not known, but was approximated at 80–95,000 in the 1950s.

## Climate

Ngokland seasons are different to the southern hemispheres'. February, March late April are the hottest months and is called the summer season. The rainy season is from mid-May to the full month of October. And from August to earlier October is Autumn (not confirmed). Spring is from May to July (not confirmed). Winter is in early November, December to late January.

## Jieng Domination of Upper Nile from Sudd Swamp to Earlier Migrations Expansion to Bhar El ghazel

Jieng Post Migration Expansion
From Sudan Swamp to the Confluence of Eastern bank of River Nile and Sobat River, Jieng have been an Indigenous Sole land Owners of Upper Nile Region by Earlier Settlement until their Migration Expansion from Sudd Swamp (Piou as Locally known) to Bhar El ghazel Region in 1300 Century and 1400 Century.
The Expansion of Jieng Migration out from Sudd Marshes into the rest of the areas within South Sudan and far beyond Sudan was noticed to be at the beginning of earlier 12th Century, 13th century and 14th Century. Historical domination of Jieng within Upper Nile around Sudd Swamp (Piou as known by Jieng) have been a long noticeable traced of kinship descendants from time to times.

## Sudd Swamp Era, Or Piou as Locally known by Jieng

Sudd Swamp or Piou as commonly known in Jieng language was one of the location that came under Jieng domination as their Original homeland after their earlier migration up from Northern Sudan (Deeng) from Contemporary Egypt (Kook). The present of Jieng Settlement in Sudd Swamp Marshland is believe to be dating back to 3000 BCE as archaeological evidence cited by Archaeologist Roland Oliver shows that a transhumants Cultural base of rearing Cattle have been seen around Sudd Swamp for years.
Archaeologist Roland Oliver notes that the period of an Iron Age indicate present of Jieng Nilotic around Sudd Swamp. And some of the examples of Archaeological Physical evidences are things like dome-shaped houses, Luaks and tukuls built by Jieng Nilotic as for their livelihood around Sudd Swamp.
In 1300 to 1400 the current Jieng groups who are now mainly found in Bhar El ghazel Region began to expand out from Sudd Swamp Marshes land into their current respective dominant locations, exceeding far South wards towards common places like Shambe, Rumbek, Wau, Awiel and Kuacjok.
Yet the other Jieng dominant group currently known as Ngok Lual Yak remain in Sudd Swamp Marshes land until 1600. The first Expansion genesis of Jieng groups who are currently found in Bhar El ghazel was one of the mass exodus to look for a Green Pasture land as well as to find a good livable dry land since Sudd Swamp was mainly an island with no sufficient Green Pasture and have no a lot of dry land which can sustain the Population of Jieng due to the increase number of people that was growing around Sudd Swamp Marshes.

## 61 AD Roman Empire Soldiers Visit to Sudd Swamp in Upper Nile

In 61 AD a Roman Emperor known as Emperor Nero, ordered a group of Roman soldiers to go deep down Southwards through White Nile for the Expeditions of Central African Coast.
The group passed through White Nile but were unable to go far beyond Sudd Swamp, which limit the group of Roman Soldiers to penetrates through Sudd Swamp in search for the source of the White Nile.
So the Expeditions search for the sources of the Nile become particularly difficult and eventually the group of Roman Soldier turn to an overland travel expeditions from Central African Coast, to avoid travelling through Sudd Swamp (Piou) that was not letting them get beyond through it.
In 61 AD the group of Roman Soldiers who were sent by Emperor Neo arrived in Sudd Swamp and encounter a Nilotic Speakers tribes. And as indicated by the Archaeologist Roland Oliver, Nilotic archaeological evidences around Sudd Swamp have been there since 3000 BCE and with the break down of Nilotic historical migrations timeline to Upper Nile Region;
Shilluks came to Upper Nile in 1450 as they migrated from Bhar El ghazel, where Nyikang, Gilo and Dimo break up over some dispute matter. Nyikang are current descendants of Collo in Fashodo, Gilo are contemporary family of Ayyuak found now in Pashalla while Dimo are the roots descendants of Jurcol currently found in Wau and Awiel.
Nuer migrated to Upper Nile in 1800 Century where they also expand out to Eastern bank of Upper Nile while led by predominant Spiritual leader Popularly known as Latjor in Naath/Nuer History. Naath/Nuer were the last Nilotic group Settled by Jieng group of Ngok Lual Yak within their present areas in Upper Nile.
Jieng/Dimka Moreover, have been living around Sudd Swamp for years which dated back to 12 Century as Iron Age period and 13 Century or more as noted by Archaeologist Roland Oliver that Nilotic have been present in Sudd Swamp Marshes for 3000 BCE.
So with an above Historical facts break down of Nilotic migrations times line to Upper Nile Region, unlike Shilluks/Collo and Naath/Nuer, Jieng/Dinka are the main original indigenous Sole owners of Upper Nile Region as indicated by historical facts migrations timeline.

## Jieng Conquest of Eastern bank of Upper Nile from Funj Kingdom 1630 to 1790

The Eastern bank of Upper Nile have long been under the Funj Kingdom rules under King Badi II since the interception of the Funj Kingdom in 1504. The Ruler King of Funj was in control of a Vast territories of land across Sudan before Jieng invaded him and Captured the Eastern bank of Upper Nile.
In 1630, Jieng dominant group currently known as Ngok Lual Yak who remain in Sudd Swamp Marshes until 1600 after current Jieng groups in Bhar El ghazel left in 1300 -1400. And by 1630, the Jieng group of Ngok Lual Yak started to expand out Eastward toward the Eastern bank confluence of River Nile and Sobat River which was under Funj Kingdom, rule by a Funj Sultanate known as King Badi II.
While Expanding out of Sudd Swamp Marshes, Jieng clashes with Funj Kindom under King Badi II from 1630 until around 1780 where the war subsidized. By 1790, most of the Eastern bank of White Nile were under control of Jieng after they have driven out the Funj and totally Conquered the Confluence end of Eastern bank of River Nile and Sobat River.
Jieng fully invaded the Southern border of the Sultanate of Sennar. And the progressive Conquering of much lands by Jieng continued through the 17th and 18th centuries, towards the Gezira region. This led to the changed of Strategic balance between Funj and Shilluk who tried to united against Jieng Militarily to make coordinated attacks to stop Jieng from Conquests Expansions but they both failed to defeated Jieng from it own Expansions Conquests.
After Jieng Militarily defeated both Funj and Shilluks coordinated attacks, Jieng then cut through while pushing out the Funj Kingdom under King Badi II on the Eastern bank and become the Sole land Owner of the Eastern bank of the Nile which was earlier owned by Funj while Shilluk still owned the Western bank of the Nile where they first came and Settled after they arrived from Bhar El ghazel to Upper Nile in 1450.
While Militarily still upheld in armed from 1630 until 1800, Jieng become dominantly the Conquerors of the Eastern bank of Upper Nile Region and run Social and Economic ties with other groups who they have pushed out from the Eastern bank far up to the Northern part of Sudan.
Some Example of the Social ties and Economic ties that Jieng were bond with, across the Eastern bank of Upper Nile were things like cultural goods, e.g milks, honey, fruits, animals skins and grains in return with Metals, Salts and clothing with their counter part groups that they have defeated earlier like remnants traders of Funj Kingdom, Arabs and European merchants.

## Turko-Egyptian of Ottoman Empire under Ali Pasha Conquest of Eastern bank of Upper Nile

In Earlier 1800 Century a New Political dimensions balance of Conquest of the Nile basin was in Progress from Egypt headed by the Turko-Egyptian under a governor called Muhammad Khushid Ali Pasha.
In 1821 Funj Sultanate Kingdom collapsed and the Northern Sudan land fall under invasion of Egypt under the Ottoman Governor Muhammad Ali. The Turko-Egyptian Forces led by Muhammad Ali began to marched far Southward along River Nile on the Eastern bank of Upper Nile Region.
In 1827 Ali Khurshid Pasha backed by Turko-Egyptian of Ottoman Empire, excavate an invasion of Sudan and led a Force through the Dinka/Jieng lands.
1830 Ali Khurshid Pasha under orders of Turko-Egyptian of Ottoman led an expedition to the confluence junction end of the White Nile and River Sobat.
Between 1839 and 1842 the most successful expeditions South wards along River Nile were led by Admiral Salim Qabudan where he sailed the White Nile and reaches far South towards present day Juba.
While in 1830, Ali Pashar who was residing on the Junction of White Nile and River Sobat (Wun Thony da Awiech) with his Turko-Egyptian army Forces first attempted to set up forts and garrisons in the area. One of the Forts was a Military Outpost called River Sobat Military Station on River Sobat which was along the Confluence end of White Nile and River Sobat Junction.
But as time goes on while still living at the Junction end of White Nile and River Sobat, Ali Pashar with his Turko-Egyptian army Forces were face by a lot diseases with no treatments to cure his Forces. Also there was no reinforcement to back up his army so that they can live at the Junction of White Nile and River Sobat for a long period of time.
So with the hardship of no treatment, to cure the local diseases affecting Ali Pashar and his Forces and there was no any back up coming far North from either Sudan or Egypt to let him sustain the area, Ali Pasha and his Turko-Egyptian army Forces were hit by a lot of defection from within his own army.
Quickly Ali Pashar and his Turko-Egyptian army Forces were forced to abandon Upper Nile Region which was already control by the Ottoman Khedives of Egypt, they left the area because they could not fully manage to maintain any real authority over the Upper Nile region due to lack of reinforcements and local diseases with no cure and treatment which was facing them.
In 1851, under huge circumstance pressure from foreign powers, the government of Turko-Egypt opt to opened the region to European Merchants and Missionaries which later allow the European Missionaries to came to Upper Nile and far beyond others part, to areas like Juba.
In 1905 the Missionaries arrive to Upper Nile after the government of Turko-Egypt opened the region to European Merchants and Missionaries. The Missionaries came and settled in the same location at the Junction end of White Nile and River Sobat (Wun Thony da Awiech) which was Established by Ali APasha and his Turko-Egyptian army Forces back in 1830.

## Eastern bank of Upper Nile under British Rule of Anglo-Egyptians from 1897 to 1.1.1956

Earlier Upper Nile Region in 1897
In October 1897 an Anglo-Egyptian army under the command of Gen. Sir (later Lord) Horatio Herbert Kitchener was ordered to invade Sudan. Sir Lord Kitchener with his Anglo-Egyptian badge of Sudanese army under British Military Officers Lord Kitchener initiates the role to Control the Central Southern Sudan region up to the Nile River in Upper Nile Region.
In September 1898, Officer Lord Kitchener who led Anglo-Egyptians Forces from Cairo, Egypt defeated the Mahdists under the command of Khalifa Abdallahi in the battle of Omdurman. Sudan falls under the British and the army under Lord Kitchener who Conquered the land, Control the vast area of Sudan from North part up to the South part, to the Junction of River Nile and River Sobat.
In Ngokland (Ngok Lual Yak), the British re-established a Military Outpost fort along River Sobat in Wun Thony da Wiech also known as Dolleip Hill on the confluence of the Eastern bank of River Sobat and the Nile River. That Re-established Old Military Outpost Station on Sobat River was first Set up by Ali Pashar with his Turko-Egyptian army Forces who were residing along the Junction ends of White Nile and River Sobat in 1830.
In 1914, a Military Outpost fort of 1830 that was established by Ali Pashar and his Turko-Egyptian army Forces along River Sobat in Wun Thony da Wiech (Dolleip Hill) was moved to Malakal. Hence, Malakal was made an Administrative Centre for Central Southern Sudan and became a Provincial Capital of Colonial Administrations.
Malakal Area however remained under Military rule until Mr. K.C.P. Struve was appointed as the first civilian governor of Central Southern Sudan (Later known as Upper Nile Province). K.C.P. Struve, however did not rule the area independently because the military were constantly interfering with his Civil administration due to territorials and provincial borders issues which were then needed to be established.

## Malakal as the Head Quarter of Upper Nile and Sobat District

Malakal Area before it became an Administrative town, was a vast pasture grass of land where cattle were driven to and kept during dry Season by Ngok Lual Yak people before it was Established as an Administrative town.
Malakal become an Initial Administrative town in earlier 1914 when a Military Outpost fort which was Established by Ali Pashar and his Turko-Egyptian army Forces in 1830 along River Sobat in Wun Thony da Wiech (Dolleip Hill) was moved to Malakal on the Eastern bank of River Nile, therefore prompted the creation of Malakal as Administrative town and a Provincial Head Quarter of Upper Nile Region.
Malakal Area also became a town council under Municipality of Sobat District which was District Administrator for Ngok Lual Yak run by Percy Coriat (Also known as Gier-Kuach by the Locals). Mr. Percy Coriat and John Lee were the first Civil District Administrators appointed under the Leadership of Upper Nile Province Civil Governor K.C.P Truves in 1919.

## History of 9 Districts of Upper Nile under Sudan Colonial Natives Administration

In early 1921, the British created a Native Civil Administration which empowered Local Authorities to participate in the Ruling governing System at the lowest grass level within their respective common dominated areas. So Senior inspectors can become deputy governors and their duties will be more closely linked with strong ties to the Provincial Capitals; also, inspectors can become district officers and assistant district commissioners.
During Native Civil Administration System, Mr. K.C.P Struve became the first appointed Civil Governor in Malakal. In Nasir District Mr. John Lee was appointed as the first civil District Administrator while in Ngok Lual Yak territory Mr. Percy Coriat (Nick Named by Ngok Lual Yak as Gier-Kuach) was a District Administrator for Abwong District which was made up of Ayod and Nyirol divisions and Locations respectively. Abwong District later changed its name to Sobat District with its Administrative Head Quarter in Malakal where it pays Tax to River Sobat Revenue Authority with its Building in Malakal town Council.
In 1923, most administrative chiefs with local Courts and Community Police were empowered and became a great System factor who reduced the level of raiding between Nuer and Jieng (Dinka) Communities through Administrative roles played by Native Administrations under District Administrators. In 1926 C.A. Willis succeeded Struve, and Governor C. A Willis created an idea of an Executive Chief in 1928. He reinstated the style of Executive Chief or Paramount Chief into Native Administration.
After Sudan Independent in 1.1.1956, Upper Province was still under Territories of Native British Colonial Administrations era until 1963 to 1975 with 9 Districts in Upper Nile Region. The following were the 9 Districts of Upper Nile Province as their borders remained according to 1.1.1956.
The 9 Districts of Upper Nile Province according to 1.1.1956
1 - Akobo District, Head-Quarter Akobo owned by Lou Nuer
2 - Bentiu District, Head-Quarter Bentiu owned by Western Nuer
3 - Bor District, Head-Quarter Bor owned by Bor, Twic East and Duk
4 - Kodok District, Head-Quarter Fashodo owned by Collo/Shilluk
5 - Nasir District, Head-Quarter Nasir owned by Jikeny Nuer
6 - Fangak District, Head-Quarter Fangak owned by Central Nuer, Rut, Thoi, Luach and Paweny
7 - Renk District, Head-Quarter Renk owned by Abilang, Nyiel, Ageer, Komo and Mabaan
8 - Pibor District, Head-Quarter Pibor owned by Murle/Ajabo, Jie & Kachippo
9 - Sobat District, Head-Quarter Malakal owned by Ngok Lual Yak, Dongjol and Panaruu.

## Sobat District Historical Origin background

Sobat District is one of the former 9 districts of Upper Nile Region. The district was named after River Sobat because the area lies along River Sobat that runs from Ethiopia to the Confluence of River Nile as its end point in South Sudan.
In 1830 Turko-Egyptian arrived in Upper Nile at the Junction end of the River Nile and River Sobat, they established a Military Outpost fort in Wun Thony da Wiech (Dolleip Hill). The Military Outpost Station was called River Sobat Station in which the name Sobat District was later came to use but the word Sobat itself was an original name driven out from River Sobat name.
When the Tax Revenue Authority was created in Malakal town Council, the same Military Outpost called River Sobat Station was also used as the name of the Tax Revenue Authority Buildings by the British in Malakal town. The Building was called River Sobat Revenue Authority where Ngok Lual Yak pays Tax to it Constructed Building in Malakal town Council under Sobat District Administration run by Percy Coriat Popularly known as Gier-Kuach by the local as the first Civil Administrator of Ngok Lual Yak under first Civil Administration System of Mr. K.C.P Struve as the first Civil Governor.

## PART 2 - Government and politics

Earlier Upper Nile Region
In October 1897 an Anglo-Egyptian army under the command of Gen. Sir (later Lord) Horatio Herbert Kitchener was ordered to invade Sudan. Sir Lord Kitchener with his Anglo-Egyptian badged of Sudanese army under British Military Officers Lord Kitchener initiates the role to and Control the Central Southern Sudan region up to the Nile River in Upper Nile Region.
On September 1898, Officer Lord Kitchener who led Anglo-Egyptians Forces from Cairo, Egypt toward Sudan with a Conquest to Conquer the land, defeated the Mahdists under the command of Khalifa Abdallahi in the battle of Omdurman. And as the British thirst quest for land Control towards Sudan was highly in plan, the army under Lord Kitchener turn their focus for the Conquest Control of Southern Sudan via River Nile and River Sobat. The French forces expansionists however under Captain Marchand were already occupying Fashoda; while Belgians forces were Stationed at Rejaf and Jebel Lado.
In Ngokland (Ngok Lual Yak) the British established a Military Outpost along River Sobat in Wun Thony da Wiech also known as Dolleip Hill on the confluence Eastern bank of River Sobat and the Nile River. While in Nasir, they occuppied an old Military outpost which was for Abyssinians (Ethiopians) who encroached in to Sudan territory through Sobat and Baro river. The Military Outpost Station was called Sobat Station, named after River Sobat because the Army were residing along River Sobat.
In 1914, a Military Outpost that was established along River Sobat by British in Wun Thony da Wiech (Dolleip Hill) was moved to Malakal. Hence Malakal was made an Administrative Centre for Central Southern Sudan and became a Provincial Capital of Colonial Administrations.
The area remained under Military ruled until Mr. K.C.P. Struve was appointed as the first civilian governor of Central Southern Sudan (Later known as Upper Nile Province). K.C.P. Struve, however did not rule the area independently because the military were constantly interfering with his civil administration due to territorials and provincial borders issues which were then needed to be established.

## Ngok Lual Yak under Sudan Colonial Native Administrations rule

History of 9 Districts of Upper Nile under Sudan Colonial Natives Administration
In early 1921, the interest need to have a Native Civil Administration was pre-plan by the British Authorities. The concept propose that Senior inspectors can become deputy governors and their duties will be more closely link with strong tied to the Provincial Capitals; it was also proposed that inspectors can become district officers and assistant district commissioners.
During Governor K.C.P Struve’s tribute system the percentage of tax on individual was low. When K.C.P Struve was a governor in Malakal, Mr. John Lee was appointed as the first civil District Administrator for Nasir District while on Ngok Lual Yak territory Mr. Percy Coriat (Nick Named by Ngok Lual Yak as Gier-Kuach) was a District Administrator for Abwong District which was made up of Ayod and Nyirol divisions and Locations respectively. Abwong District later change it name to Sobat District with it Administrative Head Quarter in Malakal where it pays Tax to River Sobat Revenue Authority with it Building in Malakal town Council.
In 1923, most administrative chiefs with local Courts and Community Police were empowered and become a great System factor who reduce the level of raiding between Nuer and Jieng (Dinka) Communities through Administrative roles played by Native Administrations under District Administrators. In 1926 C.A. Willis succeeded Struve, and Governor C. A Willis created an idea of an Executive Chief in 1928. He reinstated the style of Executive Chief into Native Administration.
After Sudan Independent in 1.1.1956, Upper Province was still under Territories of Native British Colonial Administrations era until 1963 to 1975 with 9 Districts in Upper Nile Region. The following were the 9 Districts of Upper Nile Province as their borders remained according to 1.1.1956.

## The 9 Districts of Upper Nile Province according to 1.1.1956

* Akobo District, Head-Quarter Akobo
* Bentiu District, Head-Quarter Bentiu
* Bor District, Head-Quarter Bor
* Kodok District, Head-Quarter Fashodo
* Nasir District, Head-Quarter Nasir
* Fangak District, Head-Quarter Fangak
* Renk District, Head-Quarter Renk
* Pibor District, Head-Quarter Pibor
* Sobat District, Head-Quarter Malakal

## Malakal

Malakal Area before it become an Administrative town, was a vast pastures grass of land were cattle were driven to and kept during dry Season by Ngok Laul Yak people before it was Established as an Administrative town. Malakal become an Initial Administrative town in earlier 1914 when a Military Outpost which was Established by the British along River Sobat in Wun Thony da Wiech (Dolleip Hill) was moved to Malakal along Eastern bank of River Nile, therefore prompted the creation of Malakal as Administrative town and a Provincial Head Quarter of Upper Nile Region.
Malakal Area also become a town council under Manucipality of Sobat District which was District Administrator for Ngok Lual Yak run by Percy Coriat (Also known as Gier-Kuach by the Locals). Mr. Percy Coriat and John Lee were the first Civil District Administrators appointed under the Leadership of Civil Governor K.C.P Truves in 1919.

## PART 3 - Sobat District|Sobat District Historical Origin background

Sobat District is one of the former 9 District of Upper Nile Region. The District was named after River Sobat because the area lie along River Sobat that run from Ethiopia to the Confluence of River Nile as it end point in South Sudan. When Anglo-Egyptian arrived, they established a British Military Outpost in Wun Thony da Wiech (Dolleip Hill). The Military Outpost Station was called Sobat Station in which the name Sobat District came from but the word Sobat itself was an Original name driven out from River Sobat name.

## Upper Nile Region Under President Jaffer Nimeri

In 1976 President Nimeri Politically divided Upper Nile Region into two provinces and created a new Province called Jonglei Province out of Old Upper Nile Region of Malakal. Four former districts of Native Administration namely Akobo, Bor, Fangak and Pibor were taken to newly Created Province of Jonglei. Where as the other 5 former Districts of Native Administrations namely Kodok, Nasir, Bentiu, Renk and Sobat District respectively remained in Old Upper Nile Province with Malakal as it Head Quarter under Municipality of Sobat District which was a District Administration for Ngok Lual Yak.

## President Jaffer Nimeri 2nd Political Division of Upper Nile

Again from 1983 to 1984 the Southern Region under President Nimeri got divided into 3 Province. President Nimeri Curved out Bentiu District from Old Upper Nile Region Malakal and called it Unity Province and Renamed Old Upper Nile Province with it Head Quarter in Malakal as Sobat Province, the name that President Nimeri adopted was initially from Sobat District which Originally came from 1920s British Native Administration of Abwong District which was having it Head Quarter in Malakal. While old Sobat District still retain it names which was causing Administrative conflict within Malakal Town Council between Sobat Provincial Administrations and Sobat District Administrations.

## Preisdent Bashir Political Administration of Upper Nile Province

From 1983 to 1993 Upper Nile Region remained under Provincial Administration namely: Jonglei Province, Sobat Province and Unity Province. Jonglei Province Head Quarter was in Bor, Sobat Province Head Quarter was in Malakal and Unity Province Head Quarter was in Bentiu. In 1994 President Bashir made the 3 Province of Old Upper Nile regions as State and abandon the Nimeri Political idea of 3 provinces. And when CPA was signed by Dr. John Garang and Bashir in 2005, President Bashir idea of States were adopted by Dr. John Garang under Protocols of CPA.

## PART 4 - South Sudan National Government

The government of South Sudan has ten states and its headquarter in Juba. The SPLA/M ruling party is a formal rebel group. The party emerged after a civil war of 21 years. The leader is Salva Kiir Mayaardit, a Jieng. The SPLA/M held the majority in all 10 states as well as in the National Government. Under Salva Kiir, the Ngok Lual Yak have one MP in the National Government and many ranked Generals within the SPLA.

## South Sudan State Government

Before November 2011, Ngokland people were represented at the state level of the Upper Nile. During the 2010 election, the representation of the Ngokland people dropped, leaving them no MP at the state level in Malakal.

## Religion

The majority of people in Ngokland are Christians. Protestant Churches emerged in 1900. Among them is the Presbyterian Church of Sudan. Catholic and Trinity churches are present, plus non-believers who adhere to their traditional deeds.

## Language or dialect

Jieng have a dialect. The Ngok Lual Yak speak in Jieng dialect. In the 1930s, a written form of Jieng was developed following the arrival of Europeans. Characters including ŋ, NY, Y and NH were incorporated. Thoŋ de Jiëŋ later became unintelligible due poor teaching. Earlier, Jieng was spoken on a regular basis and taught to children.

## Currency

Before South Sudan seceded, the Dinar was in use in NgokLand. After South Sudan currency became available, the Dinar was phased out and the pound became the currency. The pound was available in 100 SSPd, 50 SSPd, 25 SSPd, 20SSPd, 10SSPd, 5SSpd and 1SSPd units.

## Telecommunications

A Zain company operates the phone network. Zain offered regional, national and international call services.