Critical Analysis of TEYA versus NyanCit Arialbeek Controversies in Juba, South Sudan
NCAA Chairlady Ruth Muka Ahou Abit Arok
By Dr. Deng Duot Bior-Barr (PhD), Brisbane, Australia
Sunday, 26 July 2026 (PW) — The controversy between the Twic East Youth Association (TEYA), led by Chairman Deng Kuir Bul, and the NyanCit Arialbeek Association (NCAA), led by Chairlady Ruth Ahou Abit in Juba, South Sudan, revolves around constitutional amendments, institutional independence, and gender inclusion in leadership. It is a debate over whether a separate women’s group should join the main youth organisation.
This clash pits a power-driven idealist against an ideological, forward-thinking, and action-oriented leader whose vision extends beyond her stature. Her leadership style and approach irritate the TEYA Chairman, forcing him to push for the NCAA group to be integrated and to report directly to him through the Secretary of Gender, a move unlikely to be accepted by NCAA members.
NCAA is a registered CBO in South Sudan, and no law mandates its integration or reporting to TEYA. Key issues include the integration debate, proposed amendments to TEYA’s constitution suggest NCAA could be dissolved or absorbed into a male-dominated structure to be reporting to the Secretary of gender.
On autonomy versus resource sharing, advocates believe integration conserves resources and allows young women to compete equally with men, while supporters of the NCAA stress the importance of maintaining an independent space for leadership development free from patriarchal control.
During the community consultation phase, community leaders suggested returning to the six Payams for member opinions on the proposed changes. This process is ongoing, but it may be risky later. Current perspectives, as seen in PaanLuel Wël Media and other outlets, show NCAA’s arguments are more persuasive given its registered status, while TEYA’s proposals seem politically motivated and less applicable to NCAA members who value empowerment and independence.
Though some token young women participate in in-house activities of TEYA’s general assembly debate, their opinions seem to contradict with the NCAA’s broader vision, which emphasises girls’ empowerment more than TEYA.
While Deng Jr.’s side has a constitutional basis, his argument lacks logical coherence. Conversely, although Ahou Abit’s position on the NCAA’s independence is valid, her influence might be limited within TEYA’s male-dominated structure.
Culturally, leadership often does not align with the core issues at hand, as disputes are a concern. Therefore, an amicable solution should be preferable to ongoing disputes, which could weaken Deng Jr.’s future efforts, similarly to Ahou Abit.
Most importantly, these proposed changes should not be implemented within the current term. If they are popular demand, then such amendments should be decided through referendums during elections rather than being on the NCAA at the moment.
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