By Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth
First and foremost, I would like to warmly congratulate Comrade Paul Logale Jumi on his well-deserved appointment on the 20th of June, 2025. I also extend my congratulations to the SPLM 2nd Deputy Secretary General, Cde. Baba Medan Konyi, on his role in the party.
However, I have noticed that some Comrades within our Party are questioning the appointment of Cde. Paul Logale Jumi. Some have gone as far as claiming he is not widely known within the SPLM, or that he lacks the high profile expected for such a position. I believe it is important to shed light on his long-standing commitment to the SPLM, one that dates back to the 1980s and continues to this day, in 2025.
Academically, Paul Logale Jumi is highly qualified and there is no dispute about that. His contributions are well recognised by several of our senior SPLM leaders, many of whom are veterans of the liberation struggle. Cde. Jumi lectured at the University of Nairobi throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, all while actively participating in SPLM activities in Nairobi. He returned to South Sudan in 2005 and took up the role of a Member of Parliament representing Juba East.
In 2010, he was elected as MP for the same constituency. Since then, he has played a vital role in various committees within the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), where he significantly contributed to shaping key financial policies. His colleagues in Parliament recognise and admire his consistent, thoughtful engagement and leadership.
Paul Logale Jumi is not new to the SPLM. He has been a dedicated member during and after the liberation struggle that led to the independence of the Republic of South Sudan. For those who claim he is unknown, I say this: every leader starts somewhere. People must be given a chance, just as H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic and Chairman of SPLM, has done time and again. Many of us have been appointed by the President while still relatively unknown. Yet, once given the opportunity, we proved our worth and are now recognised leaders, both in SPLM and across South Sudan.
Paul Logale Jumi will likewise prove himself. Given the chance, he will demonstrate his leadership, his intellect, and his dedication to the SPLM. He will stand tall among our great leaders, some of whom only became popular after being offered the opportunity to serve.
Let us, as SPLM members and as citizens of South Sudan, rally behind the decision of our Chairman and President. Let us support our new Secretary General, Cde. Paul Logale Jumi, as he embarks on this vital role.
