From Lost Boy to South Sudanese Activist: Peter Ajak’s Inspiring Journey of Hope and Change
Peter Ajak with the then South Sudan Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Gabriel Jok Riak, after attending a veteran event in Juba. Image courtesy of Belfer Center
In a world plagued by conflicts and adversity, stories of resilience and unwavering determination shine as beacons of hope. One such story is that of Peter Ajak, a Belfer Center Fellow whose extraordinary journey from being a Lost Boy of Sudan to a South Sudanese activist has inspired countless individuals around the globe. Ajak’s unwavering commitment to bringing freedom and change to his people serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of human will.
Born in the midst of the Sudanese Civil War in 1983, Ajak’s early years were marked by displacement and turmoil. Forced to leave his homeland at a tender age, he was enrolled in the Red Army, a group of refugee children recruited by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Despite the harrowing circumstances, Ajak’s father instilled in him a profound understanding of the fight for a better Sudan, emphasizing the importance of fighting for a society free from religious and ethnic divisions.
Surviving the challenges of war and the loss of fellow comrades, Ajak’s thirst for knowledge remained unquenchable. Amidst the hardships of life in refugee camps, he devoured any book he could find, nurturing his intellectual curiosity and fueling his determination to make a difference. Recognizing the need for better education and opportunities, the SPLM arranged for Ajak and other promising young South Sudanese to seek refuge in the Kakuma refugee camp in Northern Kenya.
Fate intervened when the United States initiated the “Lost Boys of Sudan” resettlement program, which brought Ajak and thousands of displaced boys to the U.S. for a chance at a brighter future. With resilience and perseverance, he overcame the challenges of adjusting to a new culture and language, ultimately earning a place at Harvard Kennedy School. It was at this esteemed institution that Ajak caught the attention of influential professors and figures, who would become instrumental in his journey.
Returning to South Sudan after the country gained independence, Ajak took on pivotal roles in the World Bank and the government as Senior Advisor to the Minister of National Security. His unwavering belief in the transformative power of security institutions guided his work, aiming to build a foundation for democracy and development. However, clashes with the government’s narrow view of security led to his resignation and pursuit of a Ph.D. in political science at the University of Cambridge.
As Ajak embarked on his doctoral journey, South Sudan plunged into a devastating civil war. Driven by a burning desire to speak out against the government’s actions, he founded the South Sudan Young Leaders Forum, advocating for nonviolent political change and a generational shift in power. But his bold activism came at a great personal cost. Surviving assassination attempts, threats, and two years of solitary confinement in South Sudan’s notorious ‘Blue House’ prison, Ajak’s resilience remained unbroken.
With the support of his network, including friends, faculty, and government officials, Ajak found a lifeline and safety for himself and his family in the United States. Recognizing his immense potential and unwavering commitment to his homeland, he was offered a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship with the Belfer Center’s International Security Program (ISP).
During his fellowship, Ajak embarked on a monumental endeavor to analyze the political violence in South Sudan and find ways to break the cycle of conflict. His research aimed to trace the roots of authority within the South Sudan People’s Movement, paving the way for a peaceful, nonviolent political landscape. Engaging with a supportive community of scholars and mentors, Ajak’s time at the Belfer Center provided him
