TWIC EAST COMMUNITY IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA HELD MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SOUTH SUDANESE LEGENDARY LEADER AND A LONG TIME WAR VETERAN ELIJAH MALOK ALENG MAYEN
By Amer Mayen Dhieu, Queensland, Australia
A memorial services was held yesterday, on 15/11/2014, in honour of dear leader and long time war veteran Elijah Malok Aleeng Mayen. The event was arranged and liaised by members of Awulian Cumunity of Nyuak Payam in Twic East county.
Several memorial services have been held in honour of Elijah Malok in different states of Australia over the past few weeks. However, yesterday’s memorial service was more of a reflection on his journey as a person, a soldier, a leader, a father and community leader. Many of the orations delivered by community’s representatives dwell on his “bravery and confrontational” traits follow by his dedication to the history and the foundation of South Sudan.
Cross-questioning one of women representatives about her view on Elijah Malok, the lady said: “we were not looking for any position in the government for Elijah Malok, it was his time to rest but what we were praying God for is to keep him alive and in good health so he can teach South Sudan’s history to the younger generation.” Other people look at the event as an opportunity to advise young people to stop divisive writings on the internet, citing it as part of what cause the misery and the death of the legendary leader.
The same community leader retreat a call to denounce use of divisive name such as Twic, Duk or Bor, something many young people find irrelevant to the event. Although his call generate mix feelings among the audiences, his speech was appreciated by many people and was followed by applause and clapping from the crowd. Other speakers encouraged young people to continue being strong with knowledge that any of them can one day be like Elijah Malok or give birth to the same personality.
Deep appreciation was extended to Elijah Malok’s close cousin and the coordinator of the event, Mabioor Akur, from Awulian, Patem section. Mabioor in return gave thanks to everyone who had given up their time to come and pay their last respect to the deceased leader.
Ushers of the event were selected from all Payams of Twic East County. A group of young people, some audiences at the memorial refer to as “youth ee Malong-dit”, were dress in a white T-shirt and ID badge printed with Malok’s photo, his name, year of birth and the year of his departure.
Their dedicated hard work for keeping memorial service professional and calm was highly praised by all persons.
In death we are separated from Elijah Malok Aleng, in memories he lives with us forever. May God rest his loving soul in glory.