Awerial County has pulled out of the Lakes State Wrestling and Cultural Association following the appointment of Mapuor Machiek as the new chair.
Machiek replaced Gabriel Madol Ayuom last week.
In a letter dated November 12, 2024, seen by Radio Tamazuj, the Awerial Wrestling and Cultural Association accused Machiek of using the social media to promote division and hate among the wrestling communities and the contested lands.
Awerial Wrestling and Cultural Association Chairperson Bub Mading Bub said they had become autonomous.
“I don’t want to work with Machiek. I cannot work with someone who doesn’t want to unite the communities of greater Yirol because the region is supposed to be one and we need someone who will bring the communities together, not a tribalist,” he said.
Machiek dismissed the accusations labeled against him.
He urged the Awerial association not to withdraw but give him time to prove that he can unite the youth.
“Let them forgive me in case of any wrong deeds. I cannot be judged according to the allegations made against me,” he said.
“If I discriminate against any community in my leadership, they will be right to withdraw. I can prove that all those claims against me are not true.”