25/08/2026
Alek Phillip Maluil speaks out against alleged forced marriage, affirms choice to marry Agany Malleher
Alek Phillip Maluil, newlywed wife of journalist Agany Geng Ayiei, also known as Agany Malleher, has spoken out over the controversy surrounding her alleged forced abduction and marriage, saying she remains committed to the man she chose to marry.
In a statement addressing reports circulating on social media, Maluil said she and Agany have been in a relationship for nearly six years, with both families aware of their relationship and intention to marry.
She said the couple agreed to marry after completing their university education. Maluil travelled to Ethiopia in 2022 to pursue her studies and graduated in June 2026, while Agany completed his studies in March 2026.
According to Maluil, after completing her studies, she returned home and informed Agany that she was ready to marry him. She said Agany’s family subsequently approached her family to formally request her hand in marriage.
She said both families agreed, and marriage negotiations were held in July 2026 at the Royal Palace Hotel in Juba.
Maluil said the marriage negotiations reflected the wishes of both her and Agany, with the support and consent of their families.
However, she alleged that some individuals opposed to her marriage later interfered and attempted to pressure her into marrying someone else.
Maluil said some of those involved were distant relatives from her mother’s side who had previously tried to convince her not to marry Agany.
She alleged that the situation escalated on Saturday after she accompanied her sick mother to Nile Specialist Hospital.
According to Maluil, after leaving the hospital, a distant aunt offered to arrange transportation for her and her younger sister to return home. Maluil said she later discovered that the vehicle was allegedly connected to people who wanted to force her into marriage.
She said the driver changed the route and stopped at another house, where several people allegedly appeared and dragged her from the vehicle.
Maluil said she resisted and sustained injuries during the struggle, while her younger sister was taken in another vehicle and later dropped at the family home.
She alleged that she was held overnight and pressured to accept a marriage against her will before her family, led by her father, recovered her the following day.
“There is nothing voluntary about what happened. I was taken against my will and forced into a situation that I did not agree to,” Maluil said.
She said she sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment.
Maluil said she initially opposed opening a legal case because she did not want the incident to generate further publicity or affect her marriage. She also said she chose not to publicly identify those involved.
She accused the individuals involved of subsequently using media outlets and social media platforms to circulate information that damaged her reputation.
Maluil reaffirmed that her decision to marry Agany was made freely and without coercion.
“I am an educated and grown woman. I have made my own choice, and no one has the right to force me to marry someone I do not want,” she said.
She said she is prepared to pursue legal action against anyone who attempts to force her into marriage against her will.
Maluil thanked her father for respecting her decision and supporting her right to choose her husband. She also expressed appreciation to Agany and his family for remaining committed to their relationship.
She called on the South Sudanese government and human rights organizations to protect her rights and freedom of choice.
Maluil also used the statement to call for an end to forced marriage, saying marriage should be based on love, consent, mutual understanding and free choice.
“I am not against our Jieeng traditions, but there are some traditions that must be abandoned, especially the practice of forced marriage,” she said.
She urged parents across South Sudan to listen to their children and respect their decisions regarding marriage.
Maluil also appealed to men to reject forced marriages and instead pursue relationships based on mutual consent and understanding.
She concluded by calling for an end to forced marriage and urging communities to promote marriages founded on love, consent and free choice.
“End forced marriage. Let love, consent, and free choice guide marriage.”
Yours,
Alek Phillip Maluil
