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 17th 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 from the west 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.^[1] 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.^{[citation needed]}

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.

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.

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.

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.

References

^ "IN THE MATTER OF AN AD HOC ARBITRATION PCA No. GOS-SPLM 53,391 PURSUANT TO THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT IN THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS" (PDF). Hage Justice Portal. 18 December 2008.

Choldit Kiir Dau Article on Upper Nile Region from 1882 under Anglo-Egyptians Military Rule with Civil Colonial Natives Administrations.

External links

Composed Traditional Songs
Ngok Lual Yak History - 2001, Kakuma, Zone 3, G34B
Choldit Kiir Dau Maat Akeel interchat - 2012, Ngokland
(Ethnics Distribution) IMU OCHA South Sudan - 24/12/2009
Common Traditional Tales History of Origins - Ngokland 2012

[1] "IN THE MATTER OF AN AD HOC ARBITRATION PCA No. GOS-SPLM 53,391 PURSUANT TO THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT IN THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS" (PDF). Hage Justice Portal. 18 December 2008.

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