Ousted youth leaders in Northern Bahr el Ghazal defies order removing them

AWIEL – Youth leaders in Northern Bahr El Gazal state who have been involved in a power struggle for the leadership of the youth union have refused to hand over the union’s assets, despite being removed from their positions by the national youth union leadership.

The conflict arose between former Chairperson Tito Awen Bol and Garang Akuei Deng, who was appointed by the former governor’s administration to replace Tito. The national youth union intervened and appointed a new body to succeed both individuals.

The state’s minister of youth and sports, Bol Akuar Gamar, said a preparatory committee had been formed to oversee the election process for the new youth body. He called on Awen and Deng to hand over assets such as stamps, computers, and bank accounts.

“What is confusing is the refusal of Tito Awen and Garang to hand over the assets,” Akuar said. “We need them to hand over the assets so that the smooth transfer of power can be initiated.”

Tito Awen, who was officially elected but had clashed with former governor Tong Aken, resigned his position along with his team, citing irregularities and politicization of youth affairs. He argued that the minister’s demand for asset handover was premature.

“We can’t hand it over to the preparatory committee. We are going to give the assets to the new body. The stamp is for the officially elected Northern Bahr El Gazal youth chairperson, not for the Preparatory Committee,” he said.

“The preparatory committee has to get their own stamp. We are waiting for the new body to give them what we have,” he added.

Garang Akuei Deng, who served as acting chairperson during Awen’s ouster, expressed surprise at the lack of cooperation with Minister Akuar. He said they would hand over the assets once they were officially called to do so.

The elections for the new youth body face uncertainty due to the interference of politicians in youth affairs, which has angered many young people.