James Kok Ruea has been the Governor of Western Bieh State, South Sudan since 24 December 2015.
[1] He is the first governor of the state, which was created by President Salva Kiir on 2 October 2015.
[2] James Kok is currently an MP in National parliament representing Pangak constituency since 2021.
He previously served as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management and later a Member of Parliament, representing Fangak County in Jonglei.
[3] In 2001, he represented the Sudan People's Defense Forces/Democratic Front in negotiations with the Sudan People's Liberation Army, incurring the wrath of less conciliatory SPDF members who saw cooperation as betrayal.