Alur Community Association

PROSPERITY PILOT PROJECT (PPP), DRAFT COMING SOON

By Kono Dumo Ukumo - May 15th 2026

From the look of things, the economic hardship in South Sudan seems to be only drifting from worse to worst, continuously. It is ironic that this is happening when arable land lays idle and food insecurity is palpable and protracted. Food is often in short supply and high demand, ferried in from Uganda and Kenya in hundreds of thousands of tones every day.

The Luo areas of Jur River County (JRC) of Western Bhar El Ghazal State, which like many crop farming communities in Africa, never used to experience any serious famine. Shortage and lack of food in many households in JRC, however, have now become cyclical, annually. Meaning every year its population experiences what looks like famine in large parts of it, approximately over 60% of its areas. Reason?

Reasons are varied, ranging from insecurity caused by intercommunal violence by the neighboring cattle rearing communities of Warap state, to SSPDF and SPLA-IO insurgency where both side of the conflict often tend to vend their frustration on the citizens instead of seeking out each other, away from population centres. In addition, a big chunk of the population of South Sudan seems to have lost touch which land and tended to value only quick hand outs such as from Humanitarian relief organizations and or from relatives who are falsely seen to be relatively better off.

In JRC, cassava which I often talked about with passion as an anti-famine answer is losing ground to cattle. Cassava is a perennial crop, meaning it remains on the farm for at least one year or above. With the irresponsible seasonal encroachment of cattle that tend to roam JRC villages from neighboring states, many citizens of JRC tended to be and remained alarmists the moment you dare to remind any of them of re-introducing cassava farming in their areas. Without giving it any significant thought s/he will dismiss the idea as impossible. Say why?

The answer comes ready, because of cattle. Oh My God (OMG), how can a whole community accept a fate plagued with famine just because of cattle? What is the role of community leadership and even political leadership in tackling such serious challenges facing the community? Nothing? Apathy? Resignation and helplessness? Indifference?

There is apathy (and resignation) regarding that in the whole of Roc-Roc D**g payam and in Maleng across Nyinam from Agok and around Wadh-Lelo area and in Atido and Kiyango and Udici, Pa-Kangi and Alel-Thony and part of Kuajieno payam and part of Alur.

Such a challenge honestly must have practical solutions, if there is a will. Not difficult and financially hard solution such as a chain link wire fence, for example. Open, honest and serious engagement, for example with the cattle herders and owners, may bear results. Or earmarking only certain and specific corridors for cattle to pass or grass. Local government authority needs to be involved.

We may also talk of local but hard and termite resistant poles (Kahdo in Luo) and whole (round) bamboo fence like what late uncle Joseph Madut Kon had around his cassava and banana farm in Mebieu (Alur) when I visited his farm in 2014. I had taken some pictures which unfortunately I could not trace now.

Still there are a lot of other areas in JRC where cassava is still part of community`s valued crops regularly farmed. These areas include part of Kuajieno payam, part of Umbilli area, part of Alur and in Ujot of Udici payam. There are more other places which farm cassava and that I did not mention in this sample list.

Most of population around Kuajieno area would mention the challenge of cattle as an excuse for not farming cassava, yet a man called Akuei Akuei (or Akuei Chuony) made a name and a fortune around Kuajieno from farming cassava. He sells cassava and buys everything including cows and goats and pay school fees for his children from his cassava proceeds. Why not emulate him?

In any of the areas mentioned above where population still farm cassava, a Pilot Prosperity Project (PPP) mimicking Akuei Akuei cassava farm can be made by any serious dude. I will draft a PPP sample and share with you guys in the next few days. Just like that of Akuei Akuei in Kuajieno, the PPP has no donor funding. It is meant for any serious individual(s) who may be either employed or unemployed right now but is willing to do something to improve his current financial status or that of some people s/he cares about.

ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE FAMILY OF VITO MAYEN KOT

“Blessed is the one You choose and bring near to dwell in Your courts forever.” (Psalm 65:4)

The family of the late Vito Mayen Kot announces to all relatives, in-laws, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances that tomorrow, Friday, May 2026, a divine memorial mass will be held for the annual remembrance of the soul of the departed family member — the honorable father, beloved brother, loyal friend to all, and man with a cheerful face, Barnaba Vito Mayen Kot (known as Pijok – Abu Sahbo).

The mass will take place at 1:00 PM at his residence in Nazareth neighborhood, Wau.

“For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Romans 14:8)

COPIED & EDITED

A PUBLIC CALL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A GREAT FREEDOM FIGHTER: LT. GEN. PETER LAU MADHIEU MADUT (AKA PETER MATUENY)
Date: 04th May 2026

BY; PHILIP APHA APAT

It is with deep gratitude and sincere appreciation that I respectfully call upon the national government of the Republic of South Sudan particularly His Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of all regular forces to consider the appointment of Lt. Gen. Peter Lau Madhieu Madut to a suitable position within the national government.

Lt. Gen. Peter Lau Madhieu Madut, also known as Peter Matueny, is a distinguished freedom fighter who made significant contributions to the struggle for independence. He devoted his entire life to the liberation cause and stood firmly against oppression during the long years of conflict in South Sudan.

Despite his unwavering commitment and over twenty-one years of dedicated service during the liberation struggle, he has not yet been accorded the opportunity to serve in the government since independence. This stands in contrast to many of his contemporaries who have had the privilege of contributing to nation-building in official capacities.

In addition to his military contributions, Lt. Gen. Peter Matueny has demonstrated commendable involvement in humanitarian efforts. Notably, he played a positive role in addressing the devastating hunger crisis of 1998 across the Bahr el Ghazal region.

This appeal is therefore respectfully directed to His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit, with the hope that this request will receive due consideration and a positive response in recognition of Lt. Gen. Peter Lau Madhieu Madut’s service and sacrifice.