Bol Gai Deng
Bol Gai Deng | |
|---|---|
 Human Rights Activist and Author | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Jan 1, 1979 South Sudan |
| Political party | Kush Democratic Majority Party |
| Alma mater | Virginia Commonwealth University |
| Profession | Politician, Author, Human Rights Activist |
Bol Gai Deng is a human rights activist, author[1], and politician from South Sudan.[2] He is the leader of the Kush Democratic Majority Party, who announced his candidacy for president of South Sudan in 2018; the next election is scheduled for 2026.[3][4]
Early Life
Bol Gai Deng was born in what is now South Sudan. He was kidnapped from his village at the age of seven and was enslaved for four years. After escaping, he made his way to Egypt[5] and was eventually resettled in the United States as a refugee.
Education & Activism
He briefly attended a Catholic school in South Sudan as a homeless boy for his elementary education before armed soldiers closed it down.[6] He is currently a Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) alumnus [7] which is the school where he earned a degree with a double major in political science and homeland security.
While at VCU, he was inspired by his studies about the founding of the United States and became a human rights activist, organizing rallies in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about the situation in South Sudan.
He founded the Southern Sudan Project, a nonprofit organization focused on providing education to Sudanese youth.
Politics
Bol Gai Deng is the leader of the Kush Democratic Majority Party in South Sudan.
The party's ideology is described as a combination of conservatism, Pan-Africanism, Black Consciousness, federalism, and constitutional patriotism. Its political position is considered center-right.[8][9] Deng has re-announced his candidacy for president of South Sudan and is expected to contest in 2026.
Deng has been described as a human rights activist and peace advocate who has organized rallies to raise awareness about situations in South Sudan.[10]
Publications
Bol Gai Deng is author of the book "Bol Gai Deng: Legacy of an African Freedom Fighter", which chronicles his life and political ambitions[11] and his founding of the Southern Sudan Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education to the Sudanese youth.
References
- ^ "Bol Gai Deng: Legacy of an African Freedom Fighter". Amazon. 29 March 2024. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ "African American studies department hosts talk with Bol Gai Deng". The Commonwealth Times. 30 October 2018. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
- ^ Magot, Diing (2 August 2024). "Meet the South Sudanese-American running for president of his home country from the US". The International. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ Githui-Ewart, Esther (10 May 2024). "South Sudanese-American to run for presidency against incumbent Kiir". Voice of Africa. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Immigration Stories". Virginia Humanities. 16 April 2018. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ Detweiler, Sue (4 October 2021). "A Lost Boy of Sudan Becomes a Presidential Candidate". Charismamedia. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Bol Gai Deng". Virginia Changemakers. 14 August 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ Vozzella, Laura (7 July 2018). "By day, he runs for president of South Sudan. By night, he unloads trucks at Lowe's". Washington Post. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ Naone, Erica (17 October 2018). "'I will always turn up for humanity'". Virginia Commonwealth University. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "South Sudan Development, LLC - Transforming A Nation". South Sudan Development. 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Bol Gai Deng - legacy of an African freedom fighter". The Nile Group. 3 July 2024. Retrieved 14 August 2025.