Deng Laka

Deng Laka, a prophet of the Gaawar Nuer people and spiritual leader possessed by the Diu divinity, played a significant role in shaping the region's history. He led the Nuer to victory in the Mut Roal (Raid on Arabs) against the Twic Dinka and their Arab allies in 1885, during which he personally killed the Arab commander. This battle was notable for the lack of coordination between the Dinka and Arabs, leading to a heavy defeat.

Prior to this, Deng Laka had overthrown Nuaar Mer, a powerful merchant and ally of the Gaawar, in 1879. Nuaar Mer had enslaved Deng Laka's family, including his mother and sisters, but after his defeat, he was killed, freeing them. Deng Laka also brokered a peace deal between Radh and Bar, two main sections of the Gaawar Nuer.

Despite his warrior reputation, Deng Laka maintained ties with the Dinka shrine at Luang Deng and made strategic marriage alliances with Dinka clans among the Gaawar. This allowed him to draw Dinka sympathizers into his campaigns against southern Dinka groups like Nyarreweng and Ghol Dinka, whom he often defeated.

As he aged, Deng Laka focused more on peacekeeping and dispute resolution, though he was not as successful as his rival Ngundeng Bong. His ability to navigate alliances and spiritual claims helped him remain a dominant figure in the region until his death in 1907.