Leadership changes in Aweil disabled union spark protests

A reshuffle order announced by the Ministry of Social Development in South Sudan’s Aweil State over the weekend sparked protests among members of the disabled union on Tuesday.

A reshuffle order announced by the Ministry of Social Development in South Sudan’s Aweil State over the weekend sparked protests among members of the disabled union on Tuesday.

The order, issued on Saturday, saw Santino Ajuong appointed as head of the union. Several other members were also appointed.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, several members of the union said they were unhappy with the new development and have demanded a reversal of the order.

Peter Majok, secretary general of the disabled union, expressed his dissatisfaction with decree issued by the social development ministry.

He said Aweil State Governor, Jal Malith backed calls for fair elections.

Anguei Majok Aguer, another member of the union, said the union’s dissolution was not a wise decision and insisted that for any changes to be made, it must be in accordance with the union’s constitution.

Meanwhile James Kuel Garang, a member of the disabled union, said the minister did not consult members of the union and confirmed the governor’s support.

On her part, the social development minister, Ayak Zachariah Ngor said the disabled union was already obsolete and that its members had been tasked to form new unions in their respective states in Greater Bahr al Ghazal region.

The minister said the state governor would not cancel her order because he is also aware of what is ongoing in the disabled union.