Veteran politician Barnaba Marial Benjamin has lost the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) primaries for Constituency No. 9 in Uror County, Jonglei State. He was defeated by Wany Lam Tuor, who secured the party’s nomination for a seat in the National Legislative Assembly. The primaries saw Tuor win with 136 votes, while Marial received 92 votes. A third candidate, Tang Chatiem, finished with 87 votes.
The results give Tuor the SPLM nomination to contest the parliamentary seat in the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026. Marial’s loss adds to the list of veteran politicians who have lost the party primaries. They include former Petroleum and Public Service Minister Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth and veteran lawmaker and former SPLM chief whip Rebecca Joshua Okwaci.
Marial, a veteran and common face in South Sudan’s political scene, has held several senior government positions since the signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The CPA ended more than two decades of civil war between Sudan’s government and southern rebels and paved the way for South Sudan’s independence. He served as State Minister of International Cooperation in Sudan’s Government of National Unity.
Following South Sudan’s independence in July 2011, Benjamin continued as Minister of Information and Broadcasting and government spokesperson. He was later appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in July 2013. He held the foreign affairs portfolio until March 2016 and later served as a presidential adviser and government representative in peace negotiations.
In April 2021, President Salva Kiir appointed him Minister of Presidential Affairs, a position he held until November 2023. During his campaign launch in Juba in October, Benjamin reflected on his involvement in the liberation struggle. He said it was driven by the goal of establishing an independent country where citizens could live with dignity and access basic services.
Benjamin defended his record in public service, listing the various government positions he had held over the years. Asked whether he intended to retire from politics, Benjamin indicated that he was not ready to leave public life. He stated that he would let people know when he decides to retire.
Marial’s defeat marks a significant turn in his political career. Despite his loss, he remains a prominent figure in South Sudan’s politics. The upcoming general elections will see Tuor contest the parliamentary seat, while Marial’s future plans remain uncertain.
Key points
- Wany Lam Tuor won the SPLM primaries with 136 votes, defeating Barnaba Marial Benjamin who received 92 votes.
- Marial has held several senior government positions, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
- The upcoming general elections are scheduled for December 22, 2026.
