South Sudan’s Aliab youth body elects new chair, secretary-general

JUBA – South Sudan’s Aliab Youth Association in Juba (AYA) on Saturday elected a new leadership to steer the affairs of the youth body for the next two years.

Koro Samson Thondit, former secretary-general of the body, was elected as the chairperson unopposed, while The Dawn Newspaper reporter Awan Achiek was elected as the youth association’s secretary-general.

Both were elected for a two-year tenure..

Koro replaced Makuei Deng who was elected in 2013 and Akec Riak Jiel, was declared as Speaker, and Thokluel Angau Thokluel was voted deputy speaker.

“In exercise of the powers conferred upon the AYA-Independent Electoral Committee by the constitution (2022) of Aliab Youths’ Association-Juba, in article 36, sub-article 36.11, I declare Koro Samson Thondit as Chairperson, Awan Achiek Pourac as Secretary General, Akec Riak Jiel as Speaker and Thokluel Angau Thokluel as Deputy Speaker of Aliab Youth Association in Juba for the year 2022-2024,” said Daniel Malith Garang, Chairperson for Independent Electoral Committee following the vote.

“In article 36 and which is elections procedure, sub-article 36.11 detailed what is to be done when a candidate is unopposed and this happened today, all four candidates are unopposed and that means from the chairperson to deputy speaker, speaker, and secretary general,” added Malith.

Koro Samson Thondit, newly elected Chairperson said his first priority would be forming an inclusive leadership board that would work for peace and reconciliation.

“I vow that I will not take this position lightly, you have placed me in a position of power that I respect. I am hoping that with your ideas, I can guarantee that I will have all your concerns addressed,” said Koro.

Hon. Paramena Awerial Aluong, Deputy Speaker for Admin and Finance in the national parliament and Guest of Honor of the function urged Aliab youth to take education seriously.

“Education is the backbone of the community, take education seriously and you will be respected because education is the only tool that you can be respected,” said Awerial.

Kuoi Ayang Kuoi, Chairperson for Aliab Community urged the youth to desist from toxic politics.

“I want you to desist from politics and engage in activities that will unite you,” said Kuoi.

The event was attended by various youth leaders from Bari, Twic East, Lakes States, Greater Bahr el Ghazal and SPLM Secretary General for Political Affairs, Youth League, Matueny James Amico, and others.