21/08/2025
Response to Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny’s Article on Ms. Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit’s Appointment
Hon. Ateny Wek Ateny’s article employs a rich metaphor from Jieng folktales — “Wun Weng” (the owner of the cow) — to frame Ms. Adut Kiir Mayardit’s new role as Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs. His central argument is that Ms. Adut, as the biological daughter of President Salva Kiir Mayardit, embodies the loyalty, permanence, and responsibility that political appointees often lack. While the moral drawn from the folktale is compelling, the article raises deeper questions about governance, political culture, and legitimacy in South Sudan.
1. The Symbolism of “Wun Weng” and Its Political Limits
The folktale analogy is powerful, but its political application is limited.
• Strength of metaphor: Ateny highlights that only a true owner risks everything for what is theirs, suggesting that Ms. Adut Kiir’s family tie ensures she will not abandon her father’s legacy at moments of crisis.
• Limitations: In governance, the question is not about biological ownership, but public accountability. South Sudan does not belong to the Kiir family; it belongs to its citizens. Thus, while loyalty may be admirable, public service requires loyalty to institutions, the constitution, and citizens — not just to the President.
2. Nepotism vs. Meritocracy
Ateny frames Ms. Adut’s appointment as both legitimate and deserving. However, critical concerns emerge:
• Perception of Nepotism: In fragile states like South Sudan, where governance is already undermined by patronage politics, the appointment of a family member to senior office fuels public suspicion of nepotism. Even if Ms. Adut is capable, the symbolism of family appointments weakens state institutions and reinforces personal rule over constitutional democracy.
• Meritocracy Question: Ateny praises Ms. Adut’s humility and understanding of politics but does not provide tangible evidence of her prior achievements or qualifications in public administration, diplomacy, or national programs. For such a strategic role, merit and track record should be emphasized over family loyalty.
3. Corruption and the Political Economy of Power
Ateny’s criticism of money-making in the presidency is a valuable insight.
• He rightly points out that many political elites use public offices to enrich themselves, secure foreign bank accounts, and abandon the country when crises deepen.
• However, his suggestion that Ms. Adut’s family wealth already shields her from such temptations may downplay the structural problem: corruption in South Sudan is systemic, institutionalized, and not merely about individual greed. Appointments should aim to reform this system, not reinforce it through family ties.
4. Adut’s Potential Role and the Burden of Expectations
If Ms. Adut embraces her role with vision, she could shape the Presidency’s public image, strengthen transparency, and promote accountability. But the challenges are profound:
• Public Distrust: Citizens may see her less as a reformer and more as a beneficiary of dynastic privilege.
• Conflict of Interest: As both family member and envoy, it will be difficult for her to separate state duties from family loyalty.
• Historical Context: South Sudan has long suffered from the personalization of state power. From Dr. John Garang to Kiir’s current presidency, leadership has often been equated with personality rather than institutional strength. Ms. Adut’s appointment risks reinforcing this trajectory unless she consciously works against it.
5. Ateny’s Own Position and Bias
As a former Press Secretary in the Office of the President, Ateny Wek Ateny’s reflections are both insightful and compromised by personal proximity. His acknowledgment of corruption and gossip within the Presidency is candid, but his narrative leans heavily toward defending the President’s family. This raises questions: is he offering independent critique or legitimizing a dynastic appointment?
6. Conclusion: Between Hope and Structural Risks
Ms. Adut Kiir Mayardit’s appointment can be seen in two ways:
• Optimistic View: A loyal family member may indeed work with integrity, resist corruption, and promote her father’s legacy.
• Critical View: The move risks entrenching nepotism, eroding democratic principles, and deepening the culture of personal rule in South Sudan.
Ultimately, South Sudan needs strong institutions, not dynastic politics. While Ms. Adut should be congratulated, her success will depend not on her loyalty to her father, but on her ability to serve the people, reform governance, and strengthen the Presidency as an institution of the state — not a family estate.
Disclaimer
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are solely those of Dr Buol Garang Anyieth Juuk and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of any affiliated institutions, organisations, or government bodies. All content, analysis, and interpretations are based on the author's academic research, professional experience, and personal perspectives.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, the author accepts no liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of this material. Readers are encouraged to engage critically with the content and consult additional sources where appropriate.
Dr Buol Garang Anyieth Juuk holds a Bachelor of Justice and Society, a Master of Laws, and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), all from Flinders University, South Australia.
