South Sudanese Students in India: A Call for Nation Building
January 6, 2026
Democracy is not merely a concept we discuss in conference rooms; it is an action we take on the ground. Yesterday, January 4th, 2025, that action was vividly displayed in the Abyei Administrative Area. Witnessing a young leader cast a ballot as seen in the image above is a powerful testament to our generation’s commitment to shaping its own destiny.
In a highly contested and spirited atmosphere, the youth of Abyei exercised their democratic right, successfully concluding their 4th Youth Convention. This event marks a significant milestone in our journey toward institutionalizing youth leadership across South Sudan.
The atmosphere in Abyei was electric with competition and hope. This was not a coronation; it was a true contest of ideas and leadership. A delegation from the South Sudan National Youth Union (SSNYU), led by our Deputy Chairperson Mr. Motwakil Awol Mamour and Acting Secretary of States Affairs Mr. Moses Ujua Utho, was on the ground to witness this transparent process.
The position of Chairperson attracted six capable candidates, reflecting the vibrancy of our political landscape. The results were as follows:
Chan Mijak: 44 votes (36.6%) – Winner
Kur Alor Kur: 26 votes (21.6%)
Alor Kuol: 25 votes (21%)
Angelo Aguek: 23 votes (19.1%)
Francis Kuol: 1 vote (0.8%)
Obisma Boi: 1 vote (0.8%)
Additionally, the council elected James Ajak as Speaker and Nyandeng Longar as Rapporteur. This successful reorganization brings Abyei into the growing list of seven States and Administrative Areas that have renewed their youth mandates through free and fair exercises.
While the numbers declare a winner, the process declares a victory for all youth in Abyei. The diversity of the vote shows that different voices were heard, and different visions were presented.
Mr. Chan Mijak has been declared the winner, but his victory is a call to service, not just a title. The SSNYU congratulates Mr. Chan Mijok Dau and his colleagues in the council on their well-earned victory. We urge the new leadership to look beyond the numbers of the election and focus on the faces of their peers. The priority now is to work tirelessly for peace and to unite the youth, regardless of who they voted for in the ballot box.
