Juba Dispatch

We saw Agel Ring Machar crying about people from Twic Mayardit who have been fired from the government of South Sudan, allegedly by VP BBM. But if you look at other sons and daughters of Twic who have joined the high ranks of government and army, you would hardly see any marginalization that Agel is claiming. During the tenure of Gen.Dominic Juk Chom as Executive Director of the Office of President of Republic, he made sure that the following were appointed or promoted!

1.Hon.Akuei Bona Malual, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

2.Hon. Nyuol Justin Yach, Chairperson of Human Rights Commission

3.Hon. Aguek Ring Mabil, Deputy Chairperson of Relief and Rehabilitation Commission

4.Eng.Madhieu Achuil Mawien, Undersecretary of the National Ministry of Electricity and Dams

5.Eng.Bek Awan Deng, Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Electricity and Dams

6.Amb.Gum Dominic Matiok, deployed to Federal Republic of Germany as Head of Mission

7.Hon.Lily Adhieu Martin Manyiel, deployed to Republic of Ethiopia as Head of Mission

8.Maj.Gen Juma Rehan assigned as Division 11 Commander

9.Hon.Mabior Marup appointed as Twic County Commissioner

11.Hon. Solomon Bol Mabior , appointed as Warrap State Minister of General Education

12.Hon. Paulino Mabeny Mayom, appointed as Warrap State Minister of Parliamentary Affairs

13.Brig.Gen.Atem Madut Yaak, Promoted to rank of Major General

14.Brig..Gen.Arop Monyjith,promoted to Rank of Major General

15.Colonel Dut Bol Ayuel promoted to Rank of Brig.General. Also, many individuals from Twic were appointed grade three ambassadors in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT
From the Office of the Vice President for the Economic Cluster
Republic of South Sudan

Juba, August 2, 2025

My Fellow South Sudanese,

I have been contacted by many of you regarding the recent arrests of General Akot Lual Arech, businessman Mr. Emmanuel Akol Ayii, and businesswoman Mrs. Achai Wiir. Some have even asked whether His Excellency Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel instructed these arrests.

Let me be clear: These claims are completely false.

Neither the Vice President nor his office had any involvement in or prior knowledge of these arrests. These rumors are not only baseless but also dangerous—they threaten the unity and trust that H.E. Dr. Bol Mel has worked tirelessly to strengthen.

As your Volunteer Communications Specialists Advisor, I assure you that the Vice President remains fully committed to peace, economic progress, and the stability of our nation. His focus is on serving the people, not engaging in divisive actions.

I urge all citizens to reject misinformation and to verify news through official channels. Let us stand together against those who seek to divide us.

For a united and prosperous South Sudan,

Kind regards,

Hon. Angok Arthur Akuien Chol
Volunteer Communications Specialist Advisor
Office of the Vice President for the Economic Cluster
Republic of South Sudan

There is a certain level of political confusion among the public in South Sudan. One common comment is to blame all the challenges facing the country, from the economic problems, to spread of violence, political instability and strained civic discourse, is that the President and his immediate aides are to blame for everything. While it is common to criticize those holding office for every challenge facing the people, it is a little simplistic, perhaps even dangerous to heap all the blame on one or two people, especially in a country like South Sudan, where there has been a quick turn over of public office below the President. In fact, it does not help advance any discourse on change or democracy, to single out individuals as the sole culprits in the story of the country's problems. Yes, indeed, individuals do have to carry their own crosses when it comes to behavior in public office. But such an attempt to hold people accountable should done through the institutions of the state such as accountability institutions, so that malfeasance in public office is pinned on individuals by means of evidence. Short of that, any criticism that singles out individuals in such a complex story becomes mere gossip aimed at character assassination.