30/04/2022
Western Nuer District 1922_1930 with it's capital Bentiu
The district was divided into two separate geographical areas Jabel River and Ghazal River area which is split by a natural boundary, each with distinct features as regards the physical nature of the country.
The Jabel River area to the South was inhabited by the Nyuong , Dok and Jagei Clans. It consists of a low lying black cotton soils plain interspersed by Khors, where ridge of high sandy ground on which palm trees ( noor ) and scrub grow.
The Ghazal River area to the north was inhabited by Leek, Bul, Jikany and Dinka Ruweng. The Ghazal River area to north was high ground which becomes more frequent and occasional belts of palm and talh ( Accacia seyal) or gum al Arabic or lalob.
Distribution of Population in Jabel River Clans:
Area and tribe Dok
Chief. Buom Diu Jul
River post. Adok
population 11063
year.1927
Tribe and area Jagei
Chief.Thiech Puoch
River Post. Tharjiath
Population.5195
Year. 1927
Tribe and area Nyuong North.
Chief.Gatluak Nyak Population. 3305
Year. 1927
Tribe and area Nyuong South
Chief.Wuon Kuoth.
River Post.Belek. Population. 4116.
Year. 1927
Ghazal River Clans
Tribe and area.Jikany North
Chief .Badeng Bur
River Post.Yodni population.4021.
Year.1927
Tribe and area Jikany South.
Chief.Gatkek Luop
Ruai Wuor/ Kerlual
River Post.Bentiu
population.2953
Year.1927
Tribe and area Leek North.
Chief.Tuil Raan.
River Post.Yoynyang.
Population.3120
Year.1930
Tribe and area Leek South
Chief.Nyuel Jul.
River Post .Wathjak
population. 8353
Year. 1930
Tribe and area Bul
Chief. Not yet appointed but later Tekjiek Dual Doang
River Post.Wangkai
Population.10924
Year. 1930
Tribe and area Ruweng Dinka.
Chief. Bilkuei Duot
River Post .Panrur
population .9000
Year. 1930
Characteristics of former Western Nuer H. Chiefs were:
A .Buom Diu Jul Chakpiny Thier of Dok Nuer
Chief Buom Diu was witchdoctor seized by the divinity “ Teny”in 1921 and fighter leader who led the Dok tribe before government control. The Dok have in the past had a Tribal Organisation which is practically of the present day and the clan has been less affected by changing conditions than any other of the Nuer tribes.
Buom Diu wields a paramount influence over a populous Tribe and administers the area with a minimum of help from government. He was harsh, possibly oppressive at times but he realised in great measure than other Nuer Chiefs the meaning of government and the inevitable consequences of misrule, there can be little doubt. Buom Diu’s autocratic methods seem best suitable to the people he has rule and “ I believe his apparent harshness to be Not in consonant with a sense of fairness “. Buom Diu had under him 42 sections under their respective headmen and 6 Sub_ chiefs
Buom Diu Jul was known as a very brave warrior but stubborn and hot headed man. He was arrested in 1923 to prevented him Not to join Gatluak Nyak Goak of Nyuong Nuer against colonial resistance and deported to Yirol in Lake area in early 1925. On his returned, he became the most reliable Chiefs under Captain Fergusson who was murdered by Gatkek Jiek ( Kuel Jiek ) in Dor Nyuong in 1930. He protected the government properties during the aftermath of Fergusson’s murder revenges as was well thought by PERCY CORIAT ( nicknamed Gier Kuac ). Buom was deposed by precesssor of Captain Fergusson known as Captain Romilly for extortion and being an “unconstitutional autocrat” and was exiled to Akobo and then back to Yirol in Lake area. Buom Diu was allowed to returned home in 1948. Buom Diu was only Prophet among the Nuer Evans_ Pritchard met personally as mentioned in his book of 1935.
B. Gatluak Nyak Goak descents of Biliew Wiew of Nyuong North
Gatluak Nyak Goak was a hereditary Chief of cattle custodian ( Wut hook), fighter leader and he was seized by the divinity of Dapiir in 1919 and organized a number of successful raids against Dinka tribes. He refused to agree on peace terms with Captain Fergusson and allied with Prophet Kulang Ket of Jagei Nuer in resistance against the Turuks in 1923_ 1925. After Gatluak Nyak surrendered to Captain Fergusson than who he appointed him as Paramount Chief. In November 1927, Captain Fergusson discovered that Gatluak Nyak had hidden guns and hoarding cattle collected in fines. In punishment he was demoted and half of his Galiath section was assigned to Chief Chak Riang his rival from Dor Nyuong. Therefore, Chief Gatluak Nyak immediately surrendered to the government on receiving news of Fergusson’s murder, but because of Chak Riang accusation He was kept in detention in Malakal Town for two years. Later, he was proved innocent he was reinstated as Chief of his Galiath section in 1930 and appointed H.chief Nyuong Nuer in 1935. Having learned Arabic while in prison in Malakal, he was considered a highly satisfactory Chief up to his death in 1938. Gatluak Nyak was paramount Chief of both Sections of Nyuong Nuer from 1924 to the end of 1926, he was believed to be exceeding his authority and made trouble over the returned of cattle raided from Dinka tribe and his Chiefship was confined to the Galiath section while Dor Nyuong were placed under his rival Chief Chak Riang . In 1927 he was arrested on suspicion of instigated the outbreak in December of that year and was imprisoned . After his removal the area was placed temporarily under Chak Riang who was also in charge in Dor Nyuong. .
In June 1929, Chath Hook Bang of Dok Chieftain who was had been deported to the Dinka Agar’s country in 1924 for oppressive acts, was appointed to the Galiath of Nyuong Nuer. Chath Hook Bang was killed by an elephant hunting in August 1930 after he proved himself remarkable able leader. After captured of all murderers of British Captain Fergusson and summarily executed than Sultan Gatluak Nyak was proved innocent and was reinstated as Galiath Chief in December 1930 and died in 1938.
C. Chath Hook Bang of Dok Chieftain
Chath Hook Bang was a staunch government ally in the patrol against Kulang Ket who possessed by spirit called “Mani Wan” and Gatluak Nyak Goak of Dapir in 1924_ 1925. He was taken to visit Khartoum, he was photographed wearing Fergusson kilt ( Fergusson 1930.p.126). Chief Chath Hook Bang was deposed along with Chief Wuon Kuoth for unfairness in hearing case in 1925. There was a feudal case between Chief Chath Hook Bang and Prophet Kulang Ket of Mani Wan in Jagei area, and Kulang Ket was arrested and given into Chief Chath Hook Bang’s care upon his surrendered in 1925. In Western Nuer, it is widely believed that Chath Hook Bang killed Kulang Ket by burried him alive in Thor Village near Adok sub_ port. Prophet Kulang Ket is said to have prophesied to Chath Hook Bang that the next time they would meet, Kulang Ket will be an elephant. This came to pass when Chath Hook Bang was killed by an elephant he was hunting around Kaati village in 1930.
D. Chief Wuon Kuoth of Dor Nyuong
Wuon Kuoth was hereditary earthmaster known in Nuer as” Kuar Muon” or Leopard Skin Chief as well as Tribal Chief until he was deposed for malpractices in 1924. Prior to the present administration Wuon Kuoth was a warrior leader noted for his success against the Dinka tribe in Yirol and Rumbek. After Wuon Kuoth deposal, Chief Gatluak Nyak Goak of Galiath Nyuong was appointed by Romilly as paramount Chief of Nyuong Nuer.
In early 1927, the Dor area was removed from Gatluak Nyak’s control and placed under Chak Riang who was neither a hereditary Chief nor a fighter leader and his rule did not appear to have been successful. He was deposed and succeeded by Wuon Kuoth in December 1930 after he had been trial and found not guilty due to lack of sufficient evidence of complicity in murdered of British Captain Fergusson.
There were about 30 sections or (Chiengs ) under their headmen, Included Two Sections of (Angac Dinka) living in Nyuong country. These are divided into 5 main group under Sub.Chiefs.
E. Chief Thiey Puoch of Jagei area
Chief Thiey Puoch was hereditary Earth_ master “Kuar Muon” not fighter leader. He was appointed after death of Prophet Kulang Ket the witchdoctor in 1926. Chief Thiey Puoch was sub_ chief of the Padang _ Reanyian sections but was appointed Head Chief of the Jagei Nuer when his brother Jiech Puoch was deposed by Captain Fergusson. The government expected him to deal with anti_ government witchdoctors campaign between November _ December 1930 but instead in 1940s, he proposed that he hand over the Chiefship to Nyaruac Kulang Ket , the daughter of Prophet Kulang Ket of Mani Wan who was then siezed by Mani Wan’s spirit. Chief Thiey Puoch has the qualities of Chief but lacks the fighting character needed to make his position entirely secure from the machinations of the wizards. Thiey Puoch Chiefship is not an easy one but he has done well and has little more need of assistance than Buom Diu of Dok. Although a smaller tribe than the Dok , the sections and headmen( gaattutni) number 51 with 7 Sub_ Chiefs in Jagei area.
F. Prophet Kulang Ket
the prophet Kulang Ket was seized by “Mani Wan” spirit sometime after the appearance of two others major Prophets named Deng Lothcum of Tutroah and Teny Dhurgon of Puot Nyuon among the Western Nuer. Kulang Ket visited Khartoum (perhaps Omdurman) on his own during Mahdiyya era and on his return to his Jagei country succeeded in becoming the most influential Prophet among the Western Nuer. It was believed that the name “Mani” derived from a word Mahdi of Mohd Ahmed of Gezira Aba when Kulang Ket visited Khartoum . Kulang Ket was probably 80 years old when government made contact with the Jagei in 1921, and agreed to try to curtail raids against the Dinka tribe. In this he lost the support of many young men among Jagei included his own son Majok Kulang. Majok Kulang died in expedition against Dinka Chic in 1922, and Kulang Ket was gradually forced by public opinion among Jagei Nuer to rally with Chief Gatluak Nyak Goak and take up arms against the government. Jagei were defeated in Battle of Limpout in January 1925 and Kulang surrendered in March 1925. Kulang Ket was detained at Adok where he died in custody under Chief Chath Hokbang on 24 June 1925. Thereafter his daughter Nyaruac Kulang Ket, a divorced woman, tended him during his captivity and later on seized by spirit of Mani Wan after her father’s death. Prophet Nyaruac Kulang Ket was greatly respected in Western Nuer and eventually achieved the same spiritual eminence as her father did and she died naturally in 1973 in Limpout village.
G. Jikany area under Chief Badeng Bur
Chief Badeng Bur was not Kujur but a fighter leader , he was said to be rough and responsible to Chief Tuil Raan . Under him were 15 Jikany headmen ( gaattutni ) with their sections under 4 Sub_ Chiefs. The chief Badeng Bur was senior among Jikany 4 Sub_Chiefs. Badeng Bur remained loyal to the government after Captain Fergusson was killed. He and Chief Gatkek Luop shared authority over the Jikany area after Chief Tuil Raan was deposed by Turuks in 1931. When Sultan Tuil Raan was removed and 4 Sub_Chiefs above were appointed to run Jikany area.
The Jikany of the Ghazal River border have been more harried by slave raiders and more influenced by the Arabs than the neighbouring Jabel clans and their organisation is less secure. The pretty jealousies inflicted by Chief Tuil Raan and 4 Sub_Chiefs has rendered as loser administration necessary, which it has Not been possible to give due they were subordinated to Leek Chiefs in their shared area. Chief Badeng Bur was murdered by his subordinates in 1932.
H. Jikany Area under Chief Gatkek Luop
Chief Gatkek Luop was appointed a sub_ Chief of Kerlual sections by Captain Fergusson in 1925. He shared authority with Badeng Bur after Chief Tuil Raan was deposed as Headchief of the Jikany, and he became Headchief after Badeng Bur murdered in 1932. Sultan Gatkek Luop was reported by government to be popular among Jikany civilians because he solved their problems quickly but unpopular among his Jikany sub_ chiefs who felt unduly restricted by him. As Tut wech ( bull of cattle camp) without spiritual claims, he often came into conflict with the Kuar Muon ( landlords or earth_ masters) within his jurisdiction in Jikany land. Gatkek Luop was still Headchief of Jikany when the Sudan got her independent on 1 January 1956. Under him were 7 sections, headmen and assisted by One Sub_ Chief. Gatkek Luop was young , able and has confidence of his sections but was ambitious, independent and has antagonised Tuil Raan possibly from over assumption of his authority.
The Kerlual, a branch of Leek tribe are controlled by Sub_ Chief Ruai Wuor and responsible to Headchief Tuil Raan. Kerlual sections were under 6 headmen. Ruai Wuor of Kerlual has managed to steer clear of Jikany intrigues and competent subordinate leader.
1.Shared Area of Jikany and Leek tribe
Chief Tuil Raan hereditary Chief earth _ masters known as Kuar Muon in Nuer, and a Leek tribe by birth. He was appointed as Headchief of both Jikany and Leek Kerlual branch in 1924 . The Chief Tuil Raan was loyal to government after Captain Fergusson death. He was noted to be too restrict to his clans but remained loyal to government at the time in 1927. Chief Tuil Raan was unknown either as a Chief or Leopard _ Skin leader and spent most of his youth time piloting and escorting Arab traders and hunting parties around the country. On his appointment, he was given control of Jikany South in addition to the two Jikany sections in area and also Kerlual section, and Chiengchuak division of Leek area. Tuil Raan was from Chiengchuak section, under Chiengchuak were grouped into 11 sections under their headmen and 2 Sub_ Chiefs.
Tuil Raan has a power gred and energetic but completely unscrupulous and hardly less untrustworthy. He was sufficiently intelligent to be loyal to government, yet without restraint it is certain that he would abuse any position he held by misrule. Later Jikany were removed from his Chiefship and his authority confined into the Leek tribe only.
J. Leek area under Nyuel Jul
Nyuel Jul was hereditary cattle custodian known as “ Wut hook” and was appointed as a Chief of the Leek tribe by Captain Fergusson in 1925. Nyuel was deposed in 1926 and exiled to Yirol but later reinstated as Leek Headchief. In aftermath of the Captain Fergusson’s death, he was considered as one of anti _government and was again arrested and sent to Malakal in 1928. By the end of same year 1928, he was reinstated as Leek Headchief and was considered satisfactory in rule but by 1932 he became unpopular among Leek tribe . Chief Nyuel Jul was craft, unpleasant due to uncontrollable for his Leek tribe who were too close proximity to Bul tribe. Not being a Chief by hereditary and lacks the instinct or character of a leader, it is doubtful whether Nyuel Jul’s Chiefdom will last longer.
Feuds (ciow) are still prevalent in the Leek area and there is enmity between Leek North and South. Under Chief Nyuel Jul were 37 Chiengs with their headmen and 5 Sub_ Chiefs.
K. Bul Area
Paramount Chief has not been appointed and is unlikely to be for some years. The Bul were twice visited by Captain Fergusson but other than the two marches of the Turuk’s troops into Bul Area in year 1928_ 1929 were left to their own devices until 1930. Bul tribe have much intermarried with Arabs from the North. Bul country is difficult to access during the year because no overall Paramount Chief to control Bul tribe.
In 1930, Bul Beliew was the Gek_Gaak_ Kuac sections of Bul Nuer, Tekjiek Dual Doang an earth_ masters Kuar Muon of the Chiengdieng section, and Pey Poar were all appointed as Sub_Chiefs of the Myindeng ( Matnideng, Dijul( Dieng), and Gok areas respectively. Chief Bul Beliew was half Arab half Bul Nuer and by far was the most intelligence among trio Sub_ Chiefs of Bul tribe. Chief Pey Poar was treated as a Headchief of Bul Nuer but lack any kind of control , old and utterly incompetent. Chief Pey Poar died in year 1931 and Tekjiek Dual Doang of Chiengdieng appointed as a Headchief Bul Area.
Finally, Dinka Ruweng area
The Ruweng Ajiba and Ruweng Alor were in 1930 transferred from Kordafan Province. They were originally from Western Nuer and placed under Kordafan Province in 1928 as it was considered to be governed them remotely from Upper Nile Province at the time. For obvious reasons Dinka Ruweng cannot be administered successfully from the Headquarter of Arabs in Kordafan Province.
The Ruweng Ajiba, the Chief of whom was Mai Bilkuei had more intermarried with Nuer than with the Ruweng Alor. Chief Mai’s father Bilkuei Duot, an old man, was alive and most feared by Jikany Nuer as a Dabbler or magician. For the past four ( 4) years the Ruweng Dinka area have been more or less dependent on their own resources. They were quiet amendable people though tiresome when they afford refuge to recalcitrant Nuer tribe. Occasionally, there were clashes with Jikany and Leek arising out of disputes over some wretched waterhole on the border.
My dear people of Western Nuer District both Jebel River Clans and Ghazal River Clans
The history above was our ancestors’ history in the past written long time ago by scholars, sociologists, anthropologists and rulers before we were born.
N.B. Please if you got any dispute than direct it to those authors who wrote them not me. I wrote it as they have mentioned it.
Thanks for your understanding in advance
Cheers: Khan Maluit Jiek
REFERENCE
GOVERNING THE NUER
DOCUMENTS BY PERCY CORIAT ON NUER HISTORY AND ETHNOGRAPHY 1922_ 1931. EDITED BY DR. DOUGLAS H.JOHNSON ( 1931, P: 158).
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