Aleu made the remarks on Tuesday at Aweil Freedom Square during President Kiir’s visit to Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, triggering debate among residents who said the minister should have focused on pressing security concerns instead.
Addressing thousands of people gathered for the presidential rally, Aleu warned residents against supporting Garang, a fierce critic of the Kiir regime, arguing that the businessman had benefited from President Kiir’s support over the years.
“Dear people of Mading Aweil, I urge you to distance yourselves from what Garang Deng Aguer is doing in relation to the government of President Salva Kiir,” Aleu said.
The minister further claimed that Garang’s business success had been made possible through assistance from the president.
“Much of the business success and wealth that Garang has accumulated came with the support of President Kiir, and he is fully aware of that,” he said.
Aleu’s remarks came against the backdrop of growing tensions between some political figures and social media activists from Northern Bahr el Ghazal and neighbouring Warrap State.
Recent exchanges on Facebook and TikTok have fueled heated debates over national political issues, drawing reactions from leaders on both sides.
The Interior Minister urged residents to avoid being drawn into the ongoing disagreements.
“These are people who know each other well, and I know them too. Therefore, I appeal to you to stay away from what Garang Deng Aguer is doing,” Aleu told the gathering.
However, some residents viewed the comments as inappropriate and accused the minister of diverting attention from insecurity and crime, issues many had hoped he would address during the rally.
One youth in Aweil criticised Aleu for commenting on local political matters instead of focusing on his ministerial responsibilities.
“It is time for him to return to his home state and help resolve the insecurity there instead of meddling in Aweil affairs,” the youth said.
The minister’s comments also attracted criticism from South Sudanese scholar and political analyst Jok Madut Jok, who defended Garang Deng Aguer and questioned Aleu’s intervention.
In a Facebook post, Jok accused the minister of selective justice and argued that Garang had consistently called for peaceful engagement and respect for the rule of law.
“Where does he get the audacity to advise the law-abiding community of Mading Aweil to distance themselves from their elder, Amb. Garang Deng, who is only advocating for the rule of law and urging his sons and daughters to refrain from social media wars with neighbouring communities?” Jok wrote.
The controversy overshadowed some of the announcements made during President Kiir’s visit, including a pledge to establish a university in Aweil. Kiir said the proposal would be submitted to parliament for approval and budgeting.
Despite the development promises, discussion surrounding Aleu’s criticism of Garang Deng Aguer dominated conversations among residents.
