In a letter addressed to the Acting Commissioner of Aweil North County, Wiik Awan Tem, the commission’s deputy chairperson, Zechariah Mayuol Diing, alongside other members, condemned the decision to appoint William Chan—described as the chairperson’s cousin—to a key role.
The officials accused Awac of acting unilaterally and overlooking qualified personnel.
“The RRC state leadership together with Honourable Members of the commission sat and condemned the self-decision made by the Chairperson… [who] suspended the right person and appointed his uncle’s son Mr. William Chan, who is a volunteer and difficult to accounted [for],” the letter stated.
The dissenting members instead endorsed Garang Deng Mawien as the appropriate candidate, citing his experience and current role as RRC County Coordinator for Aweil North.
“Mr Garang Deng Mawien is currently the right person in the position… following his reinstatement on 13/03/2026 up to now,” the letter noted.
The dispute comes amid broader administrative instability in Aweil North County. The substantive county commissioner, Deng Kuel Kuel, remains suspended over allegations of misconduct, including the reported misappropriation of a hospital ambulance and claims of arbitrary arrests of local teachers.
With both the RRC leadership wrangle and the commissioner’s position unresolved, tensions remain high in the county. The area, which borders Sudan’s Darfur region, is particularly vulnerable to security pressures and economic strain due to an influx of people fleeing ongoing conflict across the border.
The state governor has been copied on the complaint, as stakeholders await a resolution to the leadership disputes and clarity on appointments critical to service delivery in the county.
