The Anyuak people of Jonglei State’s Akobo County would like to draw the urgent attention of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and the Jonglei State Government to the long-standing issue of marginalization and lack of representation affecting our community.
Akobo is historically and traditionally the land of the Anyuak people, and it will always remain an integral part of the Anyuak identity, culture, and heritage. For generations, the Anyuak have lived on this land, preserving their traditions, language, and social structures. However, despite this historical reality, the Anyuak people of Akobo have continued to suffer political exclusion and marginalization within the structures of government.
In Jonglei State today, there are sixteen ministers, sixteen undersecretaries, and seventy-two members of parliament in the National Legislative Assembly, in addition to representatives in the Council of States. Sadly, among all these positions, there is not a single Anyuak representative. This absence is not only concerning but also deeply painful for the Anyuak community, as it reflects a complete lack of political inclusion.
Furthermore, Jonglei State has nine county commissioners, yet none of these commissioners are from the Anyuak Community. This reality clearly demonstrates the serious level of political exclusion facing the Anyuak people, despite being an indigenous community of Jonglei State and the rightful inhabitants of Akobo County.
The situation becomes even more troubling when we consider that many government positions meant to represent Akobo County have instead been given to individuals from other communities, particularly from the Nuer Community, even though Akobo is historically recognized as an Anyuak county. This practice continues to deny the Anyuak people their rightful voice in decisions affecting their land, security, and future.
Beyond political marginalization, the Anyuak people of Akobo have also endured immense suffering and tragedy. In 2013, many Anyuak civilians were brutally killed in Akobo. In 2015, the remaining Anyuak population in the county also faced violence that led to further loss of innocent lives. These painful events remain deeply engraved in the collective memory of the Anyuak Community.
What makes this tragedy even more distressing is that the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) had a presence in Akobo during that time. Unfortunately, despite its presence, it failed to effectively protect the vulnerable Anyuak civilians who were targeted and displaced.
Today, as South Sudan continues its journey toward peace, unity, and reconciliation, it is crucial that justice, fairness, and equal representation become the foundation of governance. Lasting peace cannot be achieved when certain communities continue to feel excluded, unheard, and marginalized within their own country.
The Anyuak people of Akobo are proud citizens of South Sudan. They have always desired to live peacefully with their neighbors and to contribute positively to the development and unity of the nation. However, peace and unity must be built on fairness, equality, and inclusive governance.
We therefore respectfully call upon the Government of South Sudan and the Jonglei State Government to urgently address this injustice by ensuring that the sons and daughters of the Anyuak community are appointed to represent Akobo County in government institutions. Representation should reflect the people of the land, their history, and their identity.
The Anyuak Community deserves to have a voice in leadership, decision-making, and governance. Our people must not continue to remain invisible within the political system of a country that they proudly call their own.
Recognizing and empowering the rightful representatives of the Anyuak people in Akobo will not only correct a long-standing injustice, but it will also strengthen peace, trust, and unity among the communities of Jonglei State and South Sudan as a whole.
The time has come for fairness, justice, and inclusive representation. Justice for Akobo Anyuak is justice for South Sudan.
The writer can be reached via piewgilo15@gmail.com.
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