Nuer spiritual leader Gai Machiek agrees to leave Ajak-Kuac

KUAJOK – Nuer spiritual leader Gai Machiek has agreed to leave the Ajak Kuac Payam of Twic County in Warrap State, according to a senior state government official speaking to Sudans Post.

Warrap State Information Minister William Wol Mayom told Sudans Post yesterday that Machiek will be relocated from Ajak Kuac to Pan-Nyok Payam within the same Twic County.

“Spiritual leader Gai Machiek has decided to evacuate Warrap State following claims, which we still believe are mere accusations, that he was fomenting violence in Warrap State,” he said in a phone interview from Kuajok.

While Ajak Kuch lies 4 miles southeast of the disputed Abyei Administrative Area, Panyok lies 18.7 miles south of Abyei. It remains unclear if relocating Machiek within the state will mitigate the likelihood of conflicts if he was indeed involved.

Machiek has faced accusations of orchestrating attacks in Abyei, resulting in significant loss of life. In a presidential order issued in January, President Kiir ordered Machiek’s expulsion from Warrap State and his return to Unity or any state of his choice.

“The security forces must ensure that Gai Machiek, the Nuer Spiritual Leader, is expelled from Ajak Kuac area in Warrap State and peacefully returned to Unity State or moved to another state of his choice within the Bahr el Ghazal region other than Warrap and Abyei Special Administrative Area,” the order read in part.

However, locals have defied the presidential orders, launching protests against the directive. They claim Machiek remained in the area because he faced prosecution in Unity State by Governor Nguen Manytuil and his allies.

In a November 2023 interview with Sudans Post last year, Machiek, speaking in Jieng, dismissed the claims, asserting that he was not linked to the violence between Twic and Ngok Dinka.

According to Wol, Machiek agreed to relocate from Ajak Kuac after being persuaded by Gen. Santino Deng Wol, the Chief of Defense of the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF), and Kuol Muor Muor, the Governor of Warrap State. Gen. Deng is currently touring Warrap State.

Wol stated that Machiek will stay in Pan Nyok for some time before choosing his preferred state.

“Since he has a significant following and cattle, he may stay there (Pan Nyok) for a while to assess the state of his choice. The reason for the stopover in the Pan Nyok area of Twic County is for him to look for the State of his choice apart from Warrap State,” he disclosed.

Machiek hails from Mayom County in Unity State. He moved to Warrap in 2021 after authorities sought to confiscate his cattle for refusing to join the government in fighting rebel leader General Stephen Buay Rolnyang.