Bona Malwal

Bona Malwal Madut Ring (born 1928) is a South Sudanese journalist, politician, and government official known for his advocacy for self-determination and secession for South Sudan. From the Dinka ethnic group, he pursued his education in journalism and economics in the United States, earning degrees from Indiana University and Columbia University. His career transitioned from an early stint as an Information Officer to journalism, including Editor-In-Chief positions at various Sudanese newspapers including the Southern Front's mouthpiece, The Vigilant.

Malwal co-founded the Southern Front, served in the national assembly, and held ministerial positions, advocating for cultural, informational policies, and economic development before and during Gaafar Nimeiry's era. He also notably resigned in protest against the imposition of Sharia law and Arabic as Sudan's official language after the 1977 National Reconciliation, before later joining the Southern Sudan Autonomous Region's government. In the 1990s, he advocated against human right abuses in Sudan while in self-exile.

Malwal played a role in peace negotiations and South Sudan's independence, occasionally aligning with controversial figures like Omar al-Bashir, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for orchestrating the Darfur genocide.^[1] Malwal's advocacy for South Sudanese self-determination alongside his critical stance against both northern and southern leaders has stirred controversies, including accusations of exacerbating ethnic tensions and his involvement in conflicts and divisive statements, including his views on ethnic groups. Malwal's family remains influential in South Sudanese politics and diplomacy.