Wal Wal The Star

APPRECIATION MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF AWIEL

By Dr. Routhei Manyiel, Abyei, South Sudan

On behalf of Paan Minyiel Rou, the Bango Clan, Ameth Aguok County, and the entire Ngok Dinka people, I wholeheartedly welcome the Awiel delegation to Abyei.

I extend my sincere appreciation and warmest greetings to the Government and people of Awiel for the exceptional hospitality, respect, and honor accorded to my beloved sister, Aluel Minyiel Rou.

The warmth, generosity, and genuine love shown to her during her visit profoundly touched not only our family, but also the entire Ngok and Padang community. Your reception reflected the deep-rooted historical ties, brotherhood, and cultural relations that have united our peoples for generations.

Through her inspiring song praising Mading Awiel, Aluel rekindled and celebrated the enduring bond between our sisterly communities. Her message went beyond music; it served as a powerful reminder of our shared history, common identity, and collective destiny as neighboring peoples connected by culture, kinship, and mutual respect.

This renewed spirit of unity and friendship should encourage all of us to strengthen cooperation and transform our historical relationship into practical opportunities for peace, development, connectivity, and social harmony.

In this regard, I respectfully call upon the governments of Awiel and Abyei to prioritize the opening of the road linking Awiel East and Alal County. This strategic road will not only facilitate trade and movement of people, but will also strengthen social interaction, economic cooperation, and peaceful coexistence between our communities.

I further propose that we seize this historic opportunity to designate the month of May as an annual month of socio-cultural festivals between our sisterly communities, to be celebrated alternately in Awiel and Abyei every year. Such cultural festivals would promote peace, unity, cultural exchange, tourism, youth and women participation, and the preservation of our rich traditions and heritage for future generations.

I also call upon our traditional leaders, youth, women, artists, civil society, intellectuals, and the County Commissioners of Alal and Awiel East Counties to take the lead in mobilizing our communities and sustaining these initiatives for the benefit of our people.

May the friendship between Awiel and Abyei continue to flourish in the spirit of peace, unity, cooperation, and shared prosperity.
Long live the friendship between Awiel and Abyei.

Long live the unity and brotherhood of our people.

Dr. Rou Minyiel Rou
Former Minister and Civil Rights Activist
Abyei Town
14 May 2026