Speaking during a meeting of the Aweil Graduates’ Association held over the weekend at the Century Hotel, Ambassador Garang Deng Aguer criticised what he described as reckless political language, including the phrase “Wun-weng” — loosely translated as “owner of the cow” — which has recently been used in political discourse to imply ownership of the country.
The ambassador referenced remarks made last year by Ateny Wek Ateny, who described a senior political appointment as being akin to “owning the country.”
“No individual is the owner of South Sudan or Wun-weng, owner of the cow,” Deng said. “Such statements are misleading and have no basis.”
He emphasised that careless speech, particularly on social media, is worsening divisions at a time when the country is already grappling with political and social challenges.
“People need to be cautious and extra careful with how they use these gadgets and technologies,” he warned. “People easily incite against societies they hate. This disintegrates communities quickly.”
Deng urged young people — especially unemployed graduates frustrated by limited opportunities — to remain patient and avoid being drawn into inflammatory rhetoric that pits communities against one another.
His remarks come amid growing online tensions, with some social media users blaming political developments and recent government changes for stoking divisions within the Aweil community.
During the same event, Adhel Kuel Aguer, daughter of prominent politician Kuel Aguer Kuel, openly challenged Aweil politicians for failing to prioritise youth employment.
“Who among the politicians from Aweil can say they have considered graduates after their appointments?” she asked. “Your work relies only on appeasing the appointing authorities.”
Her comments drew strong support from young people online, many praising her for speaking candidly about the struggles facing graduates.
One social media user wrote, “The daughter of a renowned and exiled politician has spoken out on behalf of the realities youth face. Keep it up, Sister Adhel.”
Responding separately, Ateny warned against what he described as the misuse of digital platforms, saying a cybersecurity law would soon be enforced.
“The cyber security bill is going into effect soon, and those who go against it will face it rough,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with broader criticism of leaders accused of neglecting development and unity back home while focusing on political ambitions in Juba. Participants said this has left communities in Aweil facing underdevelopment, unemployment, and weakening social cohesion.
For many attendees, the message was clear: responsible leadership and careful speech are essential to preserving unity in an already fragile nation.
