27/07/2026
Tragic loss: Akon Dut Akol dies after alleged tortured
A young woman from Northern Bahr El Ghazal, Akon Dut Akol of Aweil West, Maduang, has died following an alleged assault by her own brother and another man. The news has left family members and the wider community in mourning.
According to relatives, Akon had gotten married a few months ago. In some cultural practices in the area, when marriage arrangements are not fully finalized, a womanโs brother may go to bring her back to her parentsโ home. Akonโs parents did that, and the man she was with agreed to marry her.
Akon later left her parentsโ home on her own and returned to her husbandโs house. Her brother then called a friend and went to bring her back again. Family accounts say they drank wine before going to get her. On the way home, the situation turned violent.
Comedian Mel Abuk Leek, a member of Akonโs family, shared the details with grief:
_"Akon Dut Akol is my aunt. They started beating her. They beat her so badly that her rib bone was pushed into her liver. That injury is what caused my auntโs death. May your soul rest in peace Aunt."_
The case has sparked sorrow across Aweil and renewed calls for dialogue around how family and marriage disputes are handled. Many community members are urging that culture should promote protection and respect, and never be used to justify violence against women.
Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the incident.
As Maduany and Aweil West mourn, family and friends remember Akon as a young woman whose life ended too soon.
May Akon Dut Akol rest in peace.
