Mabior Garang calls for commemoration of Prophet Ngundeng Bong and his struggle for liberation

Sept 2, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — The son of SPLM/A founder, Mabior Garang de Mabior, calls on South Sudan government to include Prophet Ngundeng Bong, whose family fought the British and Anglo-Egyptian in the late 19 century and early 20th century [1900- 1929], in South Sudan history.

In his article, Mabior reiterates that “Ngundeng is a great historical figure” who deserves to be commemorated by the South Sudanese.

“Ngundeng is a great historical figure who deserves his rightful place in the story of our liberation. As a spiritual leader, he strived to unite the black peoples of the Anglo-Egyptian Junub (South) Sudan.” Capt. Mabiors writes.

“This is an incontrovertible historical fact. For instance, he preached against intercommunal violence between the Dinka and the Nuer. Moreover, he brought together diverse South Sudanese nationalities in the building of his famous pyramid.” Mabior continued.

Mabior strongly believes that Ngundeng was the first thinker of liberation and the concept of self-determination.

“He can be said to be the first thinker of our modern history. The concept of South Sudanese-ness was first engendered in Deng’kur (Ngundeng).” Mabior said.

“I cannot add nor subtract from the legacy of Ngundeng Bong. I am inspired by him as he is the connection between our contemporary realities and our distant past – a bridge, as it were.” He continued.

According to Mabior, Ngundeng was keeping alive a tradition of leadership which goes back to Ayuel Longar and probably even ancient Nile Valley Civilization.

“It is a style of leadership with a cultural continuity from pre-colonial times.” He said.

Mabior explains that in the olden days, leadership was more about sacrificing to deliver services to the people and Ngundeng foresaw that the Anglo-Egyptians were more into centralizing powers contrary to what he [Ngundeng] believed.

“This culture of leadership was of sacrifice and service to the people. He could see how the Turuk Col (the term given to those who collaborated with the Turko-Egyptians) – who were few then – would one day take over the society.” Mabior explains.

“He saw this day coming because it was there in his day, but it was new. This ‘monster’ is now fully grown. I cannot say enough about this great man” Mabior continued.

Many researchers, historians and anthropologists have written extensively about Ngundeng Bong, his pyramid and resistance to colonial masters.

Ngundeng was from the Nuer subtribe of Lou, and according to many Nuer elders, Ngundeng was not just a prophet but a warrior who resisted the British and Anglo-Egyptians.

His son, Guek Ngundeng, was reportedly captured in war while fighting the colonial regimes in 1929 and he had to be executed.

South Sudan history goes along way but most of it remains to be written in modern artifacts.