Remembering Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior Juarwel: A Shepherd of Faith and a Man of the People

By PaanLuel Wël, Brisbane, Australia

1. Introduction

Revd. (Abuna) Kothia Kuany Mabior Juarwel, who passed away on 08 November 2024 in the USA, belonged to that generation of South Sudanese men whose lives bridged the old world of cattle camps and lineage authority with the emerging realities of education, wage labour, organised religion, and political awakening under colonial and post-colonial Sudan. Born on 01 January 1937, a year remembered in the Jieeng calendar as Runde Gook, in the Awulian village of Göt, Twic East County, Jonglei State, in what is today South Sudan, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior rose to become a shepherd of faith for the South Sudanese community in Khartoum, and a cornerstone of the South Sudanese community in South Sudan and the West.

Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior has left behind a legacy that stretches across family lines, church congregations, and community institutions in South Sudan and the diaspora. He was a teacher by instinct, a counsellor by temperament, a preacher by calling, and above all, a community man whose life was anchored in service rather than self-promotion. A pillar of his community whose influence spanned continents, his life was honored in a memorial service held on Saturday, 27 December 2025, at St. Paul’s Church in Brisbane, Australia.

The memorial service also honors the life and exemplary leadership of Pan-Ayen Chief Makuach Mabior Juarwel, a half-brother of Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior. The late Chief Makuach Mabior Juarwel, who succeeded his half-brother Chief Aruei-Matem Mabior Juarwel, was the firstborn son of his mother, Athiech Diing Atem of Wut Kongor, Pan-Yuot, the fourth wife of Mabior-Atokbil Juarwel Akuur. He was born on 12 March 1946 in Awulian village of Ajijah, Twic East County, Jonglei State. The late Chief Makuach Mabior assumed leadership of Pan-Ayen following the death of Chief Aruei-Matem Mabior Juarwel, who had served as chief throughout the war of liberation struggle and was responsible for Buluk ke Diak, a clan-based recruitment system during the liberation struggle, under which customary chiefs were mandated to mobilize and contribute young men from their respective sections to join the SPLM/A.

2. Pan-Ayen: A Family of Deep Roots

In Dinka society, lineage is memory, and memory is history. To remember Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior is to remember the household and the community that produced him. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior was a man of deep faith and distinguished roots, whose identity was firmly anchored in his lineage within the Awulian community of Twic Dinka. He was the son of Mabior-Atokbil Juarwel Akuur Ayen from Pan-Ayen section of Patem, Awulian. His mother, Achok Chut Chol Aleer, hailed from Dinguya, Ayual, and was the third wife of Mabior-Atokbil Juarwel Akuur.

Patem, one of the major sections of Awulian, traces its origins to the four sons born to Dhiop Aleer by his two wives. From the first wife came Yaak Dhiop Aleer and Nuer Dhiop Aleer, while the second wife bore Ayen Dhiop Aleer and Atem-Lui Dhiop Aleer. Patem is therefore composed of four principal sections, namely, Pan-Yaak, Pan-Ayen, Pan-Atem-Lui, and Pan-Bul (Bul Nuer Dhiop). Several prominent figures in South Sudan hail from these sections of Patem. From Pan-Ayen hailed the late Dr John Garang Mabior, the late Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior, and the late Athethiei Kuany Aruei. From Pan-Yaak hailed the current Chairperson of the Twic East Community Association (TECA-Juba), Gen. Biar Mading Biar, as well as the late Gen. Mabior Kwir Maketh, Hon. Yaak Dutdit Yaak, and Gen. Dut Chagai. From Pan-Atem-Lui hailed the late Hon. Elijah Malok Aleng Mayen.

Ayen Dhiop Aleer had two sons. His elder son, Kuany Ayen Dhiop, was a revered warrior-priest, celebrated in many Awulian songs for his bravery and spiritual power. His younger son, Akuur Ayen Dhiop, is the great-great-grandfather of both Dr John Garang Mabior and Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior. Akuur Ayen Dhiop had four wives: Areng, Aguau, Alek, and Awur. Areng, the first wife, was the mother of Aruei Akuur Ayen, the great-grandfather of Garang Mabior Atem Aruei and Athethiei Kuany Aruei. Awur, the fourth wife, was the mother of Juarwel Akuur Ayen, the grandfather of Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior Juarwel.

Mabior Juarwel Akuur, the father of Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior, had four wives and was blessed with twenty-seven children, as detailed in the table below. Within this expansive family structure, which was reflective of the social organization of Dinka society at the time, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior was the fourth-born child of his mother, Achok Chut Chol Aleer, the third wife of Mabior-Atokbil Juarwel Akuur. In 1967, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior married Achiik Ghak Duot from Pan-Kwer, Roordior section of Ayual community. Their union was blessed with a vibrant family of eleven children, eight daughters and three sons.

Through his children and grandchildren, now spread across communities and married into Dinka, Nuer, Bari, Twic, Tonj, and Ulang families, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior’s lineage embodies the social interconnectedness of South Sudanese society. His household has become a microcosm of coexistence, kinship, and continuity beyond clan boundaries. Despite the personal grief of losing two children, a common occurrence among families of their generation, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior remained a nurturing patriarch, instilling the values of education and hard work in his children and grandchildren, many of whom have continued his legacy of service to their communities and nations.

From a young age, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior exhibited a keen sense of curiosity and an inherent desire to learn. His upbringing within a tight-knit community instilled in him a profound understanding of and deep respect for family, social responsibility and service to others, values that would become the hallmark of his character and shape the leader, teacher, and counselor he was to become. His commitment to his family was unwavering, and he instilled in his children the enduring values of education, hard work, and service to the community. As a father, he was both nurturing and firm, ensuring that his children had access to schooling and opportunities to grow and thrive. He understood that preparing the next generation to confront life’s challenges required sacrifice, discipline, and foresight, and he laboured tirelessly to provide his family with a strong and lasting foundation.

Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior was an uncle of the late Dr John Garang Mabior Atem Aruei Akuur Ayen Dhiop Aleer. Both were taken to Tonj for schooling by Athethiei Kuany Aruei Akuur Ayen, Dr John Garang’s paternal uncle, who at the time served as a personal assistant to the British district commissioner (who was known to the local Twic Dinka as Kherkwei) in the colonial Bor-Duk district. When the colonial district commissioner was later transferred to Tonj district, Athethiei accompanied him and requested that both John Garang and Kothia Kuany go with him to attend primary school there in the 1940s. In this sense, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior and Dr John Garang became among the earliest “lost boys of Sudan”, the youngsters removed from their home environment at a tender age in pursuit of education that would later shape their historic roles.

3. The Pursuit of Education Amidst Adversity

Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior’s entry into formal education came late, as was typical for boys from cattle-owning communities in the mid-20th century. Formal education in cattle-owning Dinka society was once viewed with suspicion as it removed boys from cattle camps and from ancestral continuity. His educational journey began against considerable odds, and the journey to school was itself an ordeal. In the late 1950s, his cousin Athithiei Kuany Aruei, then working with the Tonj commissioner, persuaded his father of the necessity of formal schooling in a rapidly changing world. Towards the end of 1950, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior set out on a demanding journey to Tonj, walking on foot to Mading-Bor, travelling by riverboat to Shambe, and finally boarding a truck to reach his destination in Tonj.

This arduous path reflects a generation that acquired education through sacrifice rather than convenience. In 1951, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior enrolled in primary school in Tonj, together with the young John Garang, where he applied himself diligently to his studies for three years. In 1954, he transferred to Malek in Mading-Bor, successfully completed his final examinations, and later proceeded to Wubal, where he pursued senior secondary studies. This period of schooling laid a firm intellectual and moral foundation for his later roles as a teacher, community leader, and spiritual guide.

The year 1961 marked a decisive turning point in Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior’s life. A severe drought and famine, remembered in the Twic Dinka dialect as Yak de Miir, ravaged the region, driving wildlife, including giraffes, from their natural habitats and undermining local livelihoods. The calamity was followed by torrential rains and widespread flooding (Paweer) across Twic Dinka land and other parts of Jonglei State, forcing many families into displacement. Amid this upheaval, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior’s siblings fled to Malakal in search of safety. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior was then studying at the University of Khartoum, a rare position for a man of his background.

Faced with the urgent needs of his family, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior made a defining sacrifice: he abandoned his studies at the University of Khartoum to support them. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior secured employment at Sudan Textile Industrial in Khartoum (Bahri), a decision that underscored his deep sense of responsibility and enduring commitment to family and community over personal advancement. For him, education was important, but family responsibility was paramount.

Both Revd. Kothia Kuany and his half-brother, the late Chief Makuach Mabior, were dedicated textile operators at the Sudan Textile Industry, where the late Makuach Mabior served diligently for over fifteen years, from 1965 to 1980.

4. A Shepherd at the Pulpit and a Leader in the Factory

Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior was a co-founder of the Dinka Episcopal Congregation in Khartoum, at a time when South Sudanese Christians in the capital were struggling to preserve identity, dignity, and faith under marginalizing conditions in the aftermath of the 1955 Torit Uprising and against the backdrop of the Anyanya One War. Churches became not only places of worship but institutions of identity, preserving dignity in a city that treated Southern Sudanese as expendable labor. As a preacher, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior exercised moral authority. He shaped norms, mediated disputes, and reinforced discipline. His sermons were tools of cohesion, not spectacle. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior believed faith should make people stronger, not louder.

During the memorial services in Brisbane, Australia, his family and colleagues celebrated him as a renowned preacher, who used his pulpit to inspire and uplift his distressed community. His sermons resonated with many, emphasizing the values of hope, resilience, and unity. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior believed in the power of faith to overcome adversity and often encouraged his congregation to seek strength in their beliefs. His leadership extended beyond the pulpit; he actively participated in community discussions, advocating for the rights and needs of his people. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior’s ability to connect with others and foster a sense of belonging made him a beloved figure in the community.

In the secular world, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior became a respected Technical Department Manager at Sudan textile Industrial, known for his craftsmanship and ability to produce quality textiles, which contributed to the local textile economy in Khartoum Bahri. In an industrial system dominated by northern elites, his ascent was quiet but significant. His role at Sudan textile Industrial was not merely economic; it positioned him as a bridge between rural migrants and urban institutions, a figure people turned to for advice, mediation, and assistance. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior utilized his talents and resources to elevate those in his surroundings, offering advice and assistance to people dealing with difficulties. He gained a reputation as an excellent counselor by being a good listener and providing wise guidance, establishing trust during times of need.

5. Political Awareness and Community Activism

Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior’s life was also shaped by the broader struggle for South Sudanese rights. Throughout his life, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior was politically conscious without being politically ambitious, unlike his high-profile cousins from Pan-Ayen, namely, Dr John Garang and Elijah Malok Aleng. His role was to sustain people while others confronted the state directly. He believed justice required patience and integrity, not rage.

Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior collaborated with prominent figures such as William Deng Nhial, the chairman of the Anyanya Movement (from within), participating in efforts to articulate Southern grievances and mobilise community support during a formative period of political struggle. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior’s activism was driven by a deep-seated belief in justice and equality. He understood the importance of collective action and worked tirelessly to advocate for the rights of his people, becoming a voice for those who felt unheard. He was a man who understood that faith and justice were inseparable, and who believed that dignity, education, and collective responsibility were the foundations upon which freedom would ultimately rest.

Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior, as a community leader, was heavily engaged in a range of community projects. There was a period when the region was devastated by floods, which resulted in an increase in waterborne diseases, particularly bilharzia. The villages did not have healthcare facilities, leading to treatment being only accessible in Khartoum. Numerous Bilharzia patients journeyed to Khartoum seeking treatment; however, there were few available lodging options for them. Acting not as a politician but as a concerned community elder, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior approached the Ministry of Health to report his community’s situation, and they reacted positively by establishing a temporary clinic in a vacant space near his residence to treat those who had journeyed to Khartoum for medical aid.

6. Legacy and Final Reflections

Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior passed away on November 8, 2024, leaving behind a profound legacy of leadership, compassion, and dedication to his community. His life was a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of service to others. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior’s contributions as a preacher, teacher, leader, skilled textile operator, and counselor have left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he touched. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior embodied the spirit of perseverance. His journey from a small village in Got to becoming a respected figure in his community serves as an inspiration to future generations. His commitment to family, faith, and social justice will continue to resonate within the community, reminding everyone of the power of one individual’s impact on the lives of many. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior will be remembered not only for how he chose to serve honorably, love steadily, and lead without seeking self-gratification, but also for his character, a blend of visionary leadership, humility, and integrity.

In conclusion, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior Juarwel leaves behind a legacy defined by service, integrity, and quiet leadership. He was a devoted family man who nurtured his children with the values of education, hard work, and responsibility; an advocate for learning who understood its power to transform lives; a community leader who turned compassion into action during times of crisis; and a spiritual guide whose preaching inspired hope, unity, and resilience. Through principled activism, he gave voice to the marginalised and upheld justice without seeking personal recognition. He will be remembered for his wisdom, humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to family, faith, and community, an enduring example of a life lived in service to others. Rest in peace, Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior Juarwel. Your legacy lives on.

Family of Mabior-Atokbil Juarwel Akuur Ayen
Wife	Children
1st wife of Mabior Juarwel Akuur, Yar Chol Ahoch, from Awulian, Pan-Diing Akech	1. Malang Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	2. Aruei Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	3. Juarwel-(Athuaktoch) Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	4. Garang-Dhorthith Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	5. Arok Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	6. Deng Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	7. Awut (Maduur) Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
2nd wife of Mabior Juarwel Akuur, Abuk Ayual Khoor, from Wut Kongor, Kibaar	1. Akuur Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	2. Barach Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	3. Mabil Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	4. Malang Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	5. Juarwel-Tongpioth Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	6. Ayual Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
3rd wife of Mabior Juarwel Akuur, Achok Chut Chol Aleer, from Wut Ayual, Dinguya	1. Biar Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	2. Malang Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	3. Aruei Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	4. Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior Juarwel
	5. Juarwel-Mangar e cham Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	6. Akech-Mayom Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
4th wife of Mabior Juarwel Akuur, Athiech Diing Atem, from Wut Kongor, Pan-Yuot	1 Makuach Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	2. Garang-Balau Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	3. Manyuon Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	4. Achiek Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	5. Malang Mabior Juarwel (Alive)
	6. Akech Mabior Juarwel (Alive)
	7. Ngor Mabior Juarwel (Deceased)
	8. Madit Mabior Juarwel (Alive)
Family of Revd. Kothia Kuany Mabior Juarwel
Wife and children	Grandchildren
Wife: Achiik Ghak Duot from Wut Ayual, Roordior, Pan-Kwer
1. Awut Kuany Mabior Juarwel married to Biong, Bor Dinka	Magot Ayen she has a daughter called Nyibol Mabior Yom Marial Awuoi
2. Achok Kuany Mabior Juarwel
3. Malang Kuany Mabior Juarwel married to Abek, Twic Dinka	Nyandeng Wal Ayor Achok Yar
4. Juarwel Kuany Mabior Juarwel	Awut Mabior Malang Mabior Achok AchiiAwut KuanyYool
5. Achol Kuany Mabior Juarwel married to Abek, Twic Dinka	Atem Akuei Akon
6. Mabior Kuany Mabior Juarwel	Awut Malang Kuany KadiNyibol
7. Athieng Kuany Mabior Juarwel married to Twic Mayardit, Rek Dinka	Achuei Kuel Adior
8. Deng Kuany Mabior Juarwel (deceased)
9. Atong Kuany Mabior Juarwel married to Nuer, Ulang County	1. Jok
10. Adhieu Kuany Mabior Juarwel married to Bari, Juba County	1. Grace
11. Agau Kuany Mabior Juarwel married to Tonj, Rek Dinka	1. Angeer 2. Achan

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