Nhial Deng Nhial: ‘South Sudan is being run down’

Nov 7, 2025

Nhial Deng Nhial, a senior South Sudanese politician and former foreign minister, critiques the current government, reflecting on political instability and governance failures. He discusses the squandered oil wealth that could have fueled development and warns of South Sudan's reliance on aid. Nhial emphasizes the urgent need for free elections to mitigate violence, questions President Salva Kiir's legitimacy, and addresses the handling of Riek Machar's charges. He expresses disappointment over unfulfilled hopes for the country since independence.

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INSIGHT

State Collapse Through Governance Failure

Nhial Deng Nhial says South Sudan is being run down with a total failure of governance and widespread violence across the country.
He attributes the collapse to selective implementation and violation of the 2018 peace agreement that blocks a full transition to elections.

INSIGHT

SPLM Emptied Of Purpose

Nhial argues the SPLM has been dismantled by President Salva Kiir and no longer provides coherent policy or direction for government.
He says the SPLM has been emptied of cadres and turned into an ornament rather than a functioning political force.

INSIGHT

Oil Wealth Squandered, Services Neglected

Nhial criticises diversion of oil revenue and failure to use resources for security, law and essential services.
He links resource mismanagement directly to civilian suffering and excessive military responses like helicopter strikes.

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‘There's basically a total failure of governance. Nothing is working. There is very serious political instability that has actually manifested itself in violence all across the country.’

James Copnall speaks to senior South Sudanese politician Nhial Deng Nhial, about the political instability that’s threatening the future of the world’s youngest country.

Nhial, who has served in numerous important roles in, including as South Sudan’s Foreign Minister, made headlines last month when he openly criticised the country’s president, Salva Kiir, going from former ally to a voice of opposition.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of struggle led by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, or SPLM. But just two years into independence, a power struggle between President Salva Kiir and his vice-president Riek Machar led to a civil war in which 400,000 lost their lives.

The civil war was brought to an end in 2018 through a peace deal that saw the creation of a unity government that was meant to pave the way for elections in 2022. However, these never happened, and following renewed clashes between the army and opposition forces earlier this year. The United Nations is deeply concerned about a possible return to outright war.

Amid these growing tensions in the country, even once-staunch allies of the President are now speaking out - including Nhial Deng Nhial who suspended his membership of the ruling SPLM, and accused the government of corruption, fuelling insecurity and refusing to hold long-delayed elections. President Salva is no stranger to public criticism - but there was a sense of shock that the latest to take aim at South Sudan’s leader was Nhial Deng Nhial, a prominent figure in the country, and the party, for decades. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: James Copnall Producer: Ben Cooper Editor: Justine Lang

Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.

(Image: Nhial Deng Nhial Credit: HANNAH MCNEISH/AFP/GettyImages)