MAPUORDIT PAYAM, Oct. 27, 2025 — Commander Majak Kondok Amoum on Friday called for unity among the Pan Aduot Mathiang community while addressing mourners at the burial of the late elder and veteran Mayen Machek Mading, who died at age 84.
Majak eulogized Mayen as a “good man loved by many” and praised his lifelong service to his community. He described Machek’s passing as a moment of reflection and renewal, urging unity among the people of Jekey and Pan Aduot Mathiang.
He appealed to members of the Pan Aduot Mathiang community living in Juba to return to Mapuordit for the 40-day memorial, saying the gathering would be a good opportunity to nominate a new family leader, or kinpin, to guide community affairs and traditional marriages. Majak emphasized that although Sultan Mayen Arier serves as chief, the family still needs a central figure to coordinate social matters.
Sultan Mayen Arier and community elder Mr. Kueric Acinbai echoed the commander’s message, calling on youth living in Juba to unite and appoint a leader through consensus, not self-declaration.
Majak further urged the Jekey community to work together, saying that unity is essential for fair representation and effective leadership. “A large community cannot be led by young people without guidance,” he said, calling on respected elders such as Ustaz Marial Aluong, Sultan Mayen Arier, and Mr. Acinbai to play an advisory role.
The commander also criticized what he described as the erosion of local culture in Yirol West County. He expressed concern that young women were adopting foreign dances and attire from other regions such as Twic Mayardit, calling it a “shameful loss of identity.” He announced a directive to promote traditional Yirol West customs, including the reintroduction of the Kudung dance throughout local payams.
In his address, Majak reminded cattle keepers to take care of their livestock, describing agriculture as “the community’s dollar.” He said that farming could help families acquire wealth and even fund traditional marriages.
He concluded by urging families to pay attention to the behavior of their daughters, cautioning youth against disrespect and the use of slang names such as “CJ” and “CM.” He condemned cases where girls claim “J1” as their husband when asked about paternity, saying such behavior disrespects family values.
“Respect your sisters and preserve our dignity,” Majak said.
