Name Arok Arok | Role Politician | |
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Died February 12, 1998, Nasir, South Sudan | ||
Arok Thon Arok was a politician from Southern Sudan. He first served in the Sudanese military before he and others founded Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in 1983. He defected to the Sudanese government after his dissatisfaction with the SPLA. He was therefore, given the 5th position in the high-ranking command of the SPLA before his defection.
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Early life
Arok was a Dinka Twi from the Twic community of Kongor. He is known by some to be related to Dr. John Garang De Mabior. He was in Kongor in 1984 to 1985 as the regional commander for Mading Bor. He almost died of thirst between Juba and Mading Bor when he and his troops travelled in an area where there was no water. He was succeeded by Commander Kuol Manyang Juuk as the leader in Mading Bor. He had some disagreements with the leadership of Garang. In 1987 his wife Mrs Elizabeth Thon Arok died and he went to London to place his children in school and he return with his daughter Eileen Thon Arok.
Imprisonment
Rumors had it that Commander Arok was imprisoned and later dismissed by Garang after he secretly made an agreement with the Sudanese government officials in London. His plan was to overthrow Dr. Garang and lead SPLA back to Sudan.
In late 1992 Arok escaped from SPLA imprisonment, together with Kerubino Kuanyin.
Return to Sudan
In early 90s Arok returned to Khartoum. He was known as the leader of Twic/Tuic East group which was part of the Khartoum Peace Agreement signed by Dr. Riek Machar and the Sudanese government.
Death
Arok died in the 1998 Sudan Air Force crash at Nasir. Others killed included First Vice President Zubair Mohamed Salih, Governor Tongyiik Tut Colonel Elijah Manyok Lual, Mr. Gang Chol Joak. Dr. Lam Akol survived the crash.