Twic County today faces insecurity that stems not from youth gatherings or traditional drums, but from armed militias crossing into villages and terrorizing communities. Yet instead of confronting these real threats, Commissioner John Mabior Marup has chosen to target the youth with directives that lack evidence, undermine traditional authority, and raise serious concerns about his handling of security and public resources. His recent ban on night concerts and traditional drums is not only misguided but appears to be part of a broader pattern of administrative failure and questionable decision-making that Warrap State authorities must urgently address.
On January 13, 2026, Sudan’s Post reported that the commissioner issued a stern directive banning youth from attending night concerts and clubs known locally as Loor Makou in Aweng, Ajak‑Kuac, and Turalei Payams. He claimed the ban followed “a reported rise in criminal activities… including theft and assault,” and that night gatherings had become linked to disorderly conduct and insecurity. A traditional leader, Mathiang Wol Riak, supported the ban, describing night drums as harmful to social values and alleging that some youth return home at dawn, commit crimes, or attack people on their way home.
However, these claims do not reflect the lived reality in Twic County. Neither the commissioner nor any legitimate Paramount Chief has cited a single crime arising from youth music gatherings. The Paramount Chiefs — the true custodians of community affairs — were not consulted, and none of them reported youth-related insecurity. Instead, the insecurity in Twic County comes from armed militias suspected to be loyal to SPLM‑IO, forces aligned with General Buay Rolnyang, and RSF-supported groups crossing from Pan‑thou (Heglig). Communities in Akuar, Kuac, and Amoil have been repeatedly attacked by armed Nuer militias from Unity State. The commissioner himself visited Akuer because of these attacks, yet he did not mobilize the army stationed in Aneet, Majakkool, or Athoony to protect civilians. Rather than addressing the real danger, he chose to ban drums.
Youth in Twic County have rightly questioned this decision. As Sudans Post reported, young people argue that authorities focus on “minor issues like concerts” instead of addressing unemployment and economic hardship. Night gatherings provide social cohesion, cultural continuity, and economic opportunities for unemployed youth. They are not the cause of insecurity; they are a response to it.
The commissioner’s approach also undermines traditional authority. Twic County’s legitimate leadership consists of Paramount Chief Longar Awich Ayuel of Akoch Payam, Paramount Chief Yol Ayuel Kuol of Pannyok Payam, Paramount Chief Deng Mayen Deng of Wunrok Payam, Paramount Chief Madhel Lang Juk of Akuar Payam, Paramount Chief Tor Makol of Ajak Kuac Payam, and Executive Paramount Chief Garang Nyuol Bol, the overall Paramount Chief of Twic County. These leaders were bypassed entirely. Instead, the commissioner elevated Mathiang Wol Riak — who is not a recognized executive chief — to justify his directive. This is not only inaccurate; it is destabilizing.
Since taking office, the commissioner has reportedly created over 160 new chiefs, many without Bomas or administrative centers. This proliferation of unauthorized chieftaincies has caused confusion, overlapping authority, and even violence. The recent deadly conflict in Mapeer Boma over administrative ownership is a direct result of this reckless restructuring.
Even more troubling are two official letters signed by the commissioner that reveal a pattern of questionable decisions. On November 2, 2025, he authorized three trucks to pass through Twic County without tax or inspection. On January 9, 2026, he issued another directive exempting nine trucks — including business trucks — from taxation and inspection at Ajakuac Checkpoint during a period of “high tensions” near Mayom County. These exemptions were issued without oversight, verification, or coordination with state authorities. In a region where RSF‑aligned and SPLM‑IO militias operate, allowing unchecked vehicles to pass is dangerous and irresponsible. The inclusion of business trucks in military exemptions raises serious questions about who benefits from these decisions and why standard security protocols were ignored.
Taken together, these actions suggest not only administrative failure but possible corruption. The commissioner has misrepresented the source of insecurity, targeted youth without evidence, bypassed legitimate chiefs, created unauthorized chieftaincies, and allowed vehicles to cross volatile regions without inspection. Meanwhile, the real threats — armed militias and cross-border attacks — continue to endanger the lives of Twic County residents.
Warrap State must intervene. Twic County deserves leadership that confronts real dangers, not one that manufactures false narratives to mask its own failures. The youth are not the problem. The culture is not the problem. The problem is leadership that refuses to face the truth while the people of Twic County continue to suffer.
The writer, Morris Kuol Yoll, is a South Sudanese Canadian. He resides in Calgary, Alberta. He could be reached at: myoll2002@yahoo.com