Who is hon. nhial deng nhial?
Biography
Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial is a prominent South Sudanese politician, lawyer and former senior military officer whose career spans the armed struggle for South Sudan’s independence and subsequent high‑level governmental roles.
Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial brings together a rare blend of legal training, military and peace‑negotiation experience, and decades in senior governmental office. His personal story—rooted in the history of South Sudan’s quest for independence—positions him as a key figure in the country’s political landscape.
At this stage, his shift toward forming a new movement underscores his enduring influence and the evolving nature of South Sudanese politics.
Government Service
In December 2008, he was appointed Minister of SPLA and Veteran Affairs in the then Government of Southern Sudan.
Upon independence of South Sudan (9 July 2011), he served as Caretaker Minister of Defense.
On 26 August 2011, he was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan.
He later served in other senior capacities, including as Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Political Vision & Current Activities
Nhial is noted for his strong legal background, his commitment to the ideals of the liberation struggle (through the SPLM), and his emphasis on national unity, institutional building and rule of law in South Sudan
In October 2025, he announced that he had frozen his membership in the ruling SPLM and launched a new political movement, the South Sudan Salvation Movement (SSSM), aiming to pressure for reforms, a permanent constitution and free elections.
Early Life & Education
He was born in May 1957 (some sources cite circa 1952) in the Tonj South area of Warrap State, Bahr el Ghazal region, to the late William Deng Nhial—himself a significant figure in the struggle for southern Sudan’s rights.
His early education began at Comboni College in Khartoum. He then studied law at the University of Khartoum (LLB), graduating around 1980.
He later earned further legal qualifications including a Master of Laws (LLM) at the University of Dundee in the United Kingdom in 2008.
Involvement in the Liberation Struggle
Nhial joined the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in its early phase (1983) and served within the movement through the years of conflict.
He played an active role in key negotiations, including the lead up to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between Sudan and Southern Sudan, signed in 2005.