A Legacy of Leadership and Friendship
Professor Francis Deng reflects on the life and contributions of Bona Malual Madut Ring, a patriot who played a significant role in shaping the destiny of their nation. For Deng, Bona was not only a partner in service but also a dear brother and closest friend. The loss of Bona is deeply felt, as he demonstrated exceptional courage in the face of danger and fearlessly expressed his opinions through both speech and prolific writings.
Bona and Deng were age-mates, and their shared history dates back to their childhood. According to Bona, they first met when he accompanied his father, Chief Madut Ring, for an inter-tribal meeting in Abyei around 1945. Their passports, typical of the time in Sudan, showed them as born on January 1, 1938, the date of independence from colonial rule. This led to a humorous encounter at the State Department in Washington, where a receptionist asked if they were twins.
In the 1960s, Deng began to hear of Bona as a politically active young man and editor of The Vigilant, a newspaper that documented and exposed the atrocities in South Sudan. Despite being prosecuted, Bona was later exonerated and became one of the founders of the Southern Front, which championed the cause of self-determination for Southern Sudan.
Deng got to know Bona personally in 1968 when he visited the United States as a member of Parliament. They met in New Haven, where Deng was pursuing his doctorate in law at Yale University. Their relationship deepened over time, and Bona later paid Deng a return visit to New Haven.
In August 1969, Deng and his brother Bol returned to Khartoum to visit their dying father. Bona, who was a political partner of Abel Alier, came to their hotel and insisted they stay with him. From that point on, Bona became a close partner in caring for their father.
One day, Bona and Deng visited their father in the hospital. As they left, their father called Deng back and spoke highly of Bona, advising them to work closely with him. Later, Deng learned that Bona had defended their father against the Governor of Kordofan, gaining support from the Minister of Interior.
Bona and Deng reconnected when Bona left the country to pursue his studies in the United States. They shared Deng’s tiny apartment until Bona enrolled in university. From that time until his death, they worked closely together on national issues, contributing significantly to the 1972 Addis Ababa Agreement and the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which led to South Sudan’s independence on July 9, 2011.
During Nimeiri’s government, Bona served as Deputy Minister of Information and Culture, later becoming full Minister. Deng was appointed Ambassador to Scandinavia, then to Washington, and eventually Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Bona was innovative in transforming the ministry of culture and information and developed close relationships with the President.
Bona played a heroic role during the Libyan invasion, driving through treacherous streets to his office and assuming control under dangerous conditions. Using Radio Juba and partnering with the Southern Regional Government and allies, Bona contributed effectively to crushing the attack.
When Nimeiri reconciled with the exile opposition, Bona opposed it as a threat to the Addis Agreement and the South. Deng supported it as a broadening of the national consensus. Although they disagreed, their friendship remained strong.
Later, Bona was appointed Minister of Industry, playing a critical role in the management of the petroleum sector. During a visit to Khartoum, Deng witnessed the massive detentions of leading members of the Southern regional government, including the Paramount Chief Kuol Adol Deng. He proposed initiatives to address the situation, which eventually led to the release of the detainees.
Despite Nimeiri’s arrangement for Bona to take study leave abroad, their relations continued to deteriorate. Bona was arrested and detained, but he was well treated by the guards. Deng visited him and requested a ride, which was granted. Bona was later taken out of the country due to safety concerns and settled in Oxford, where he established The Democratic Gazette, a strong voice for the cause of South Sudan internationally.
Bona and Deng continued to work in support of the Southern cause. When the SPLM/A became established, they worked with the leadership, specifically Dr. John Garang de Mabior, in promoting the cause of the South in the United States. They participated in Swiss-sponsored bilateral quartet talks, representing the SPLM.
During the IGAD mediation process, Bona and Deng were active members of a resource group. Abdul Mohamed, leader of the Inter-Africa Group, sent a message expressing deep sorrow at Bona’s passing and praising their friendship.
In the National Dialogue initiated by President Kiir in 2017, Bona and Deng were members of the Steering Committee. Bona was the Rapporteur, and Deng was one of two Deputy Rapporteurs. At Bona’s suggestion, Deng was designated as the Spokesperson of the steering Committee. One of the sub-committees focused on Abyei, addressing grassroots consultations.
After four years of intensive work, they documented the proceedings of the national dialogue in five volumes, professionally produced with support from UNDP. Bona and Deng wrote the same Foreword.
Despite their disagreements, Deng considered Bona a dear brother and best friend. Their complex relationship, often difficult to understand, was a source of complementarity and mutual reinforcement in pursuit of their shared interests.
Bona will be sorely missed, but his legacy will endure. The Dinka believe in a concept known as kooc e nhom, holding the head of the dead person up right, ensuring permanent identity and influence through memory. By those criteria, Bona will continue to live in the memory of the people and for generations to come. May the Almighty God rest his soul in eternal peace.
