26/12/2021
Acknowledging positive contributions made by Gen. Aleu Ayieny, governor of Warrap State, and H.E. President Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, to the people of Warrap, Twic County.
It is with a heavy heart that I write to appreciate the president of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and the governor of Warrap State, General Aleu Ayieny Aleu on their significant contributions toward the wellbeing of the late Ajingdit Deng. As the first witness, I am grateful beyond doubt on their efforts. For this reason, I am expressing my gratitude through writing to President Kiir and Governor Aleu for the support they accorded the people of Warrap State, Twic County, and particularly for Wadit Ajingdit Cyer Deng.
General Aleu Ayieny:
On his appointment as head of Warrap State (governor), Gen. Aleu Ayieny decided to immediately return peace to Warrap State. In his approach, he instantly brought peace to a fragile and warring Tonj East County. His quick intervention resulted in a total stoppage of the war. And if that was not enough, Gen. Aleu paid special attention to Twic conflict under commissioner Deng Tong of Twic County on the issue of County headquarters. In his pursuit to bring permanent peace, Governor Aleu tour the six Payams of Twic in 5 days. In his toured, he dearly preached peace across the six sections of Twic, while also consulting them on the unifying way forward. He later organized a meeting at the State Headquarters in Kuacjok, which eventually settled the issue. This was a landmark decision and showed his ability to resolve conflict. This is the first instance I stood tall in supporting the capable governor to continue serving his citizens equally. Upon hearing the unfortunate news of the illness of Wadit Ajingdit, a revered spiritual leader who was loved and respected far and wide, Governor Aleu went to Wurock, Twic County. Then, Governor Aleu convinced Wadit Ajingdit to seek medical attention, then escorted him to Kuacjok where he was airlifted to the country’s capital, Juba. He bid him farewell at Kuacjok Airport, Warrap. Time and resources spent by Governor in persuading late Wadit Ajingdit Cyer Deng is what informed my writing to appreciate him today. I am grateful with Governor Aleu, and many thanks.
Upon arrival to Juba, President Kiir took time out of his busy schedule with national matters to visit Wadit Ajingdit Cyer Deng in the hospital he was first admitted to in Juba. He convinced Ajingdit to seek further treatment in Nairobi Hospital where he was admitted before he eventually passed on 17 December 2021. While at Nairobi Hospital, President Kiir provided unending support including providing necessary financial assistances. Wadit Ajingdit’s body was returned to Juba, a process fully supported by President Kiir. He also came and mourned with Twic on the date of arrival of his remains. South Sudanese at large followed His Excellency example and equally mourned with us. President Kiir finally paid his last respect to the Wadit Ajingdit before his remains were flown to Mayen Abun, Twic County where he was received by Governor Aleu’s convoy and the Twic Community. Twic and friends came from far wide to celebrate his life and to pay their respects to our father and spiritual leader. He was finally laid to rest at his ancestral home in Mathiang Adiang, Wunrock Payam, Twic County on 25 December 2021. Our hearts were warmed by the support accorded to us by fellow South Sudanese.
Most of us have known Wadit Ajingdit as a society mentor and a guide who has inspired both old and young people throughout struggles in both Sudans that lasted 21 years. As a child soldier, I have witnessed his spiritual performance and was testify by my brother Valentino Achak Deng when he spoke during body viewing of late Ajingdit in Nairobi Kenya. We have never known the success of the struggle without our spiritual leaders, Ajingdit included. Their spiritual guidance has delivered South Sudan freedom. Aside from his humility, South Sudanese who have interacted with him would not know brighter futures without his blessing. Having known Wadit Ajingdit and seeing him in a casket broke my heart, but I hope that his spirit will continue to look upon us. I was further heartbroken when I handed over the casket carrying his remains to elders of Twic Mayardit in Juba International Airport on 23 December 2021. Additionally, the turn out in Juba International Airport, Mayen-Abun Airstrip, and Mathiang Adiang was the only time I believe Wadit Ajingdit has left us for another world where we could not talk to nor see him. This was the only time I believed Ajingdit was no more. Throughout the struggle for his life while hospitalized, I was sure he would one day win over the illness. Little did I know I was in for a rude shock. Rest in Peace Ajindit Cyer Deng!!
Barnaba Bol Nyuol Joc,
Diplomat in the Embassy of South Sudan, Nairobi, Kenya
And Nephew to late Ajingdit Cyer Deng.
