Mayen denies influencing his wife’s appointment as Warrap deputy governor

JUBA, SEPTEMBER 4, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The leader the Other Opposition Parties (OPP), Peter Mayen Majongdit, has dismissed claims that he influenced his wife’s appointment as deputy governor of Warrap State.

In an interview with Sudans Post on Monday, Mayen said that his wife, Aluel Garang, was nominated by the OPP and not him, adding that he simply signed the nomination papers because he is the leader of the party.

“These are not true,” Mayen said about the claims. “My wife was nominated by the OPP and not me. She was nominated because of her unwavering capability as a woman leader of this country.”

Mayen also denied that his wife’s appointment was a reward for his political support for the President Salva Kiir, saying he has been a staunch critic of Kiir’s government and that his wife is a qualified person capable of serving the people of Warrap State.

“My wife is a qualified and experienced leader,” Mayen who is the OPP candidate for the would-be 2024 elections said. “She is more than capable of serving the people of Warrap State.”

Mayen’s comments come after a section of South Sudanese social media users accused him of using his political influence to get his wife appointed as deputy governor. Mayen denies this arguing that his wife’s appointment was based on merit.

The appointment of Aluel Garang as deputy governor is the latest in a series of appointments of women to high-level positions in South Sudan. In recent years, women’s representation has witnessed surge in various levels of government.

These appointments are seen as a positive step towards gender equality in South Sudan. However, some people have criticized the government for not appointing more women to senior positions.

Mayen’s OPP is one of the party signatories to the revitalized peace agreement with a quota system that requires 30% of its leadership positions to be held by women.

Mayen said that he is committed to promoting gender equality in South Sudan and that he will continue to support women in leadership positions.

“I am committed to promoting gender equality in South Sudan,” Mayen said. “I will continue to support women in leadership positions, and I will work to ensure that they have the same opportunities as men.”

Aluel was appointed by President Kiir in late July and her appointment sparked controversy in the world’s youngest country.