14/09/2025
THE STRUGGLE FOR POWER IN GYA: A Year AND A HALF OF UNCERTAINTY
By Pech Gatwech Duop
The Gawar Youth Association (GYA) in Juba has been embroiled in a power struggle for a year and a half.
In July 2024, the GYA General Assembly was held at ECS, where they formed the Independent Electoral Committee (IEC).
Among four candidates, each of any of them are represented by a single nominee, while the outgoing leadership nominated three people, which bring tills to seven (7)members of (IEC)
Afterwards, the newly formed IEC members were blessed and empowered by the general assembly and outgoing leadership as well. They then proceeded to organize their leadership structure with Mr. Koang Teny nominated as chairman of the committee.
Before they could begin their duties, disagreements arose regarding the constitution, particularly around qualifications and voter eligibility. There was confusion over whether voting rights should be limited to delegates or extended to all members or membership ID of GYA. The chairman failed to resolve these issues, and internal quarrels became public. Members grew eager for elections to be conducted on time.
As tensions escalated, the committee split into two factions. Machot Mathew, the Secretary General, led one group of three members, while the chairman retained support from four. The division continued to destabilize the committee.
Payam youth leaders intervened, urging the chairman to respect the majority’s will. They warned that elections would not proceed otherwise. However, the IEC chairman ignored their calls.
Despite the fact that Payam youth leaders continued its advocating for majority rights until they met with the TTC Chairman of the GCA in Juba. They appealed to him to intervene, warning that GYA could collapse under HR’s Koang Teny leadership.
Two months later, TTC issued a resolution dissolving the IEC and forming a new one, headed by Chuol David Dhiel. Chuol took over and organized the Nile Beach election. All candidates attended the rally, but only Kuach Gatkuoth and Luat Tiptip registered for the election.
At the last minute, Kuach withdrew, claiming he hadn’t met with delegates for campaigns. He requested the IEC to unless push the date for polls, approximately two to three, day such that he can meet with Honourable delegates, but was in vain by IEC chairman and elections continued as it was scheduled.
Meanwhile, the IEC was hurried to conduct elections because some it members wanted to travel abroad for Christmas celebrations with their families.
Despite these challenges, the election was successfully conducted, and Luat was declared the winner.
However, Luat spent six months later without being sworn into office. Just a few days later, he(Luat) booked the hall for his swearing-in ceremony. Then the commissioner arrived in Juba and dissolved the same election just with hearsay that nile breach elections were rigged
He hastily formed a new preparatory committee to review the constitution and establish a new IEC after then finished with review the constitution so to conduct free, fair, and credible elections if they can manage.
Instead of calling the four warring factions together to resolve the matter peacefully, the commissioner rushed to the decision without proper consultation, he forget that no one above him in the community.
Way Forward
I appeal to all members of the Gawar Youth Association, especially senior youth leaders. If we continue down this path, what future do we envision for GYA?
Why not sit down and resolve this unfolding situation? Is it not possible?
The role of senior youth in every community is to offer guidance. If someone is misbehaving or causing division, why not volunteer yourself to engage with Rech, Luat, and Kuach to find a peaceful resolution?
Who do you think will solve this crisis if you don’t act?
Remember, a community does not belong to one person. Its problems are solved by a few committed individuals who serve for the future of all.
The role of senior youth is to solve issues like this.
If you need any further clarification, don't hesitate to contact Email: @gmail.com
WhatsApp +211922230855
Yours sincerely,
Pech Gatwech Duop
Cham Youth Representatives Chairman in Juba ||
Chairman of Greater Wau youth Union in Juba
