Lam Akol facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lam Akol
Chairman of the NDM
Incumbent
Assumed office 2016
Chairman of the SPLM-DC
Incumbent
Assumed office June 2009
Minister of Cabinet Affairs of Sudan
In office 17 October 2007 – Unknown
President	Omar al-Bashir
Preceded by	Deng Alor
Succeeded by	Dr. Luka Biong
Foreign Minister of Sudan
In office 20 January 2005 – 17 October 2007
President	Omar al-Bashir
Preceded by	Mustafa Osman Ismail
Succeeded by	Deng Alor
Transport Minister of Sudan
In office March 1998 – 2002
President	Omar al-Bashir
Personal details
Born	July 15, 1950 (1950-07-15) (age 75) Athidhwoi, Upper Nile
Political party	NDM (since 2016)
Other political affiliations	National Congress (until 2002) Justice Party (2002-2003) SPLM (2003-2009)
Alma mater	Imperial College London
Nickname	Alpha Beta
Military service
Allegiance	SPLA (1983-1991) SPLA-Nasir (1991-2002)
Battles/wars	Second Sudanese Civil War

Lam Akol Ajawin is a politician from South Sudan. He is from the Shilluk group. He currently leads the National Democratic Movement (NDM) party. Mr. Akol was once a high-ranking officer in the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA). Later, he became the Foreign Minister of Sudan from September 2005 to October 2007. This happened when the government in Khartoum offered the SPLA important government jobs as part of a peace deal.

Early Life and Education

Lam Akol was born on July 15, 1950, in Athidhwoi, a place in Upper Nile. He studied chemical engineering and earned a special advanced degree called a Ph.D. from Imperial College London in the United Kingdom. After his studies, he taught at the University of Khartoum in Sudan.

Political Journey and Roles

Joining the SPLA

Akol joined the SPLA in 1986. He had been a secret member since October 1983. The SPLA was a group fighting for more rights and independence for Southern Sudan.

Different Factions and Peace Deals

In 1991, Lam Akol, along with Riek Machar and Gordon Kong, left the main SPLA group. They formed a new group called SPLA-Nasir. Later, in April 1993, they joined with other groups, including one led by William Nyuon Bany and another by Kerubino Kwanyin Bol. They then changed their group's name to SPLA-United.

In February 1994, Machar removed Akol from his position. Akol then became the leader of a part of SPLM/A-United. This happened after he joined forces with other SPLA commanders who had been held by orders from John Garang, another SPLA leader.

In 1997, Akol signed the Fashoda Peace Agreement with the government. This agreement aimed to bring peace to the region. After this, in March 1998, he was made Sudan's Minister of Transportation. He held this job for four years.

Changing Political Parties

In 2002, Akol left the ruling National Congress (NCP) party. He then became an important member of a new opposition group called the Justice Party. In October 2003, he and most of his forces rejoined the main SPLA group.

In 2005, Akol wrote about his role in helping to start Operation Lifeline Sudan. This was a big effort to bring aid and help to people in need during the conflict.

Ministerial Positions

In October 2007, the SPLM group left the government in Khartoum. They asked for Akol to be removed from his job as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Some people thought he was too close to the government. The SPLM leader then suggested him for the role of Minister of Cabinet Affairs. President Omar al-Bashir confirmed this on October 17. Deng Alor, another important SPLM member, took Akol's place as Foreign Minister.

More recently, on May 7, 2025, Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin was appointed as the Minister of Transport. This appointment came from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) coalition.

International Discussions

On June 20, 2025, Akol spoke at the SPIEF event. During this event, he raised questions about whether an African country should become a permanent member of the UNSC. The UNSC is a very important part of the United Nations that works to keep peace and security around the world.