Mayen, Aluel reconcile: couple says ‘enjoying’ life in Juba after domestic violence

JUBA – South Sudan’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Peter Mayen Majongdit and his wife Aluel Messi have reconciled, weeks after he reportedly tortured her before locking her up in Kuajok.

In a brief video statement on Facebook, Messi whose real name is Aluel Garang, said she has returned to her husband’s home in Juba and have resolved all their family problems and were now starting a new life as husband and wife.

“Hi guys,” she said in the video footage in which Mayen could also be seen in the background sitting. “I am Aluel Messi known by Aluel Mayen, I am happy, I am back now in my homeland Juba to resolve our issues, our problems in the family and now we are enjoying, thank you.”

Media reports last week alleged that Mayen had stabbed the wife in the leg and then locked her up preventing her family to access her in Kuajok.

He later on returned to allegedly go to pick his new born child from home and went to his father’s village after Aluel herself fled to her family.

The news over the violence between Mayen and his wife sparked outcry from members of the civil society organizations with women groups urging President Salva Kiir Mayardit to fire and punish the controversial minister.

Mayen was last week removed as head of his party, the People’s Liberal Party (PLP) and as well as leader of the opposition consortiums, the Umbrella and OPP.

All these political bodies have appealed to President Salva Kiir Mayardit to remove Mayen from the ministry and return the seat to them as provided for in the revitalized peace agreement.