13/09/2026
A Thank-You Message to My Maternal Ciec Manyiel Community
By Mayom Mading Agau (Mathok-döör)
13th Sept 2026
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to watch the Ciec Manyiel Community candidates’ debate online. As someone whose mother comes from the Ciec Manyiel Community, I watched with great interest, pride, and appreciation. I was impressed by the level of organisation demonstrated and by the progress the community has made so far.
The speeches delivered by the candidates, elders, and invited guests from other communities were thoughtful and encouraging. I was particularly moved by the remarks of the Patron of the Day, former Lakes State Governor Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor, popularly known as Mayom Akoon. His speech brought together many of the important messages of the occasion and highlighted the value of unity, organisation and community responsibility.
Today, Sunday, 13 September 2026, the Ciec Manyiel Community Association is holding its election. I wish all the candidates, community leaders, elders, youth, women and members of the Association a peaceful and successful conclusion to this important democratic process. Regardless of who wins, I hope that unity, respect and the collective interests of the Ciec people will remain above individual interests.
What particularly inspires me about this initiative is the bottom-up approach to community organisation. Politically, socially and economically, strong grassroots organisations can help communities identify their needs, mobilise their people, resolve differences peacefully and work collectively towards development.
I have written previously about the importance of this kind of community organisation and used the Twic Community of Jonglei as an example. I am therefore pleased to see my maternal community taking an important step in this direction and, in my view, providing an example that other communities in Lakes State may also learn from and adapt to their own circumstances.
A strong nation does not begin only at the top. It begins with individuals, families and organised communities. When people at the grassroots are peaceful, united, responsible and well organised, they create a stronger foundation for peaceful states and, ultimately, a peaceful and prosperous nation.
Community organisation should not be about creating divisions or competing against neighbouring communities. Rather, it should be about strengthening cooperation, preserving positive cultural values, supporting development and giving people an organised platform through which they can contribute to the wider society.
To my maternal Ciec Manyiel Community, thank you for demonstrating what peaceful community organisation and participation can look like. I am proud to see the progress you are making, and I hope this spirit of unity continues long after the election is over.
To all the candidates: I wish you well. To the successful leaders: may you lead with humility, fairness and service to the people. And to the entire Ciec Manyiel Community: may today's election strengthen rather than divide you.
Thank you, Ciec Manyiel Community. May your election be peaceful and successful, and may the leadership chosen today serve the community with unity, wisdom and integrity.
Strong families build strong communities. Strong communities build peaceful states. And peaceful states build a stronger nation.
