“Who among you is Deng Manyiel?” Late Kawach Makwei Mayar Challenged Angry Aweil Youth
By Kwach Deng, Calgary, Canada
Now that Ambassador Garang Deng Aguer and many Aweil elders are under security threat, who among you is Deng Manyiel? In South Sudan, choosing peace over violence is often perceived as weakness or cowardice.
To be specific, Aweil Community has arguably been one of the most targeted communities by the Kiir administration since the independence of South Sudan. Many believe this happened because the community has consistently chosen peace and reconciliation instead of violence. Aweil takes pride in being a loving and peaceful society in a hostile country such as South Sudan, where survival of fitness is the law, but unfortunately, that commitment to peace has often been taken for granted.
Since 1982, the Aweil community has largely rejected violence among its members. After recognizing that the major threats facing Northern Bar El Ghazal people were external. Therefore, Aweil embraced peace, reconciliation, and forgiveness as the best ways to resolve internal disputes. The community adopted dialogue as an amicable settlement of conflicts rather than revenge or communal violence.
However, in a country where violence is often seen as a means of survival and power, such civility is frequently interpreted as weakness. That being said, Aweil must use legal avenues to advocate for the rights of her oppressed members, not violence or silence.
During the heightened political tensions surrounding the 14-Mile issue in 2014, when Kiir Adem was added to the contested areas, many Aweil youths blamed community elders for failing to strongly challenge the government and especially those who were negotiating peace and border issues with the Khartoum regime when Kiir Adem was included in contested areas by Sudanese regime.
At the time, many Aweil youths approached Gen. Kawach Makwei Mayar and other Aweil leaders, and they asked them why they were silenced when the government had compromised their ancestral land—Kiir Adem?
The late Kawach Makwei Mayar reportedly asked the youths, “Who among you is Deng Manyiel?” There was silence for a moment before he explained the Deng Manyiel story.
Deng Manyiel was remembered as a brave young man who would never tolerate threats or disrespect against his uncles or community leaders. According to the story, there were some youths who threatened Deng Manyiel’s uncle’s life. When Deng Manyiel learned that, he took action, and soon afterward, the threats stopped. As a result, he became feared, and no one dared threaten his uncle or community leaders again.
Kwacdit said, the reason behind our silence is that we do not have brave youths like Deng Manyiel among you. Therefore, we cannot risk speaking, and we do not have brave young people to stand up for us if we are arrested by the government.
Now that many Aweil elders face security threats, Aweil youths should rally behind them as Deng Manyiel stopped life threats against his uncles.
The lesson many youths drew from that story was that, in South Sudan, communities that avoid violence are often disrespected. This perception has contributed to the belief that Aweil community commitment to peace has made her vulnerable to mistreatment by both the government and rival communities.
As a result, the unlawful arrest of Simon Dee’s family, the intimidation surrounding Ambassador Garang Deng Aguer, and the physical and security threats against Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel’s family, and the illegal arrest of Hon. Kom Kom Geng, Hon. Ayii Ayii Akol and Hon. Achan Agoth are seen by many as examples of how Aweil reluctance to engage in communal violence has been interpreted as weakness rather than maturity and restraint.
Now that Ambassador Garang Deng Aguer reportedly faces security threats to his life, with his assets frozen, property confiscated, and passport seized, many people are questioning the reasons behind these actions. In my opinion, these developments came after he spoke out during the tragic killing of Khor Kalthan. He recently intervened when the same survivors of Khor Kalthan were arrested for possible deployment to Akobo.
Most importantly, Ambassador Garangdit consistently spoke about peace and encouraged all 64 tribes to embrace unity and coexistence. As an elder his age, businessman , and man of God, his role and contributions during these difficult moments helped de-escalate tensions and console victims and affected families. Therefore, many believe there should be no reason to target him unless his opponents assume that Garstang no longer has influential backing—absent Deng Manyiel another word.
Should the Aweil community continue to embrace peace and reconciliation? Yes, but the Aweil community must hold the aggressors accountable, advocating for justice and the human rights of its citizens.
I call upon Aweil Community leaders in Juba, the Aweil Youth Unions, the Aweil students union, the Aweil graduates Association, and all Aweil intellectuals must unite and speak with one voice against the injustices and mistreatment targeting members of Aweil in Juba.
Silence in the face of injustice only strengthens oppression. Therefore, collective responsibility and solidarity are needed now more than ever.
May peace prevail
Kuach Deng
Calgary, Canada
I can be reached at [email protected]
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