15/08/2025
Early 1800s: The Nuer, originally concentrated west of the Nile in what’s now Western Upper Nile Nuerland began to expand eastward across the river into Dinka‑ and Anyuak‑occupied territories. This territorial push occurred largely between about 1820 and 1880, roughly a 60‑ to 80‑year period of vigorous south‑to‑east expansion.
This expansion was carried out via distinct waves, led by influential warrior‑leaders:
Jikany Nuer, under leader Lätjor, migrated north around Jebel El Liri, moved east through Shilluk territory, crossed the Nile during dry season near Melut, defeated the Dinka, seized cattle, and pushed onward up the Sobat River.
Lou Nuer and Gawaar, in the so‑called “twin migration,” crossed the Nile and settled in swampy regions like the Sudd. Lou Nuer moved into areas now occupied by the Lak and Thiang Nuer.
Following them, Lak and Thiang Nuer crossed and moved north of Zeraf Island.
Mid‑19th century onward: Expansion continued, with groups like Jikany reaching up to the Ethiopian escarpment and displacing Anyuak and Dinka groups; in doing so, they frequently assimilated captives.
Western Nuer saw diminishing expansion by about 1876; during that time, Nyoung Nuer pushed south on the west side of the Nile, displacing Shish Dinka, effectively ending territory expansion on that side.
By 1900s, British colonial policies began imposing fixed boundaries to halt Nuer‑Dinka fluidity and expansion.
20th-century aftermath: Even after British containment, Nuer continued to expand through land purchases, grazing agreements, and occasional conflicts—e.g., with Anuak around Akobo in the 1980s and again in 2013.
Oral traditions: Among eastern‑bank Nuer, western Nuer are still referred to as “homeland Nuer,” and many oral histories still recall their expansion across the Nile over roughly two centuries.
