Aweil teachers resume work after strike over government's review decision

Teachers in Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s Aweil North and West Counties have returned to work after a strike in protest of the state government's decision to review work and recruitment procedures, which could have led to demotions or dismissals. The strike began after the arrest of about 15 teachers in November. The government's decision faced criticism from politicians, community members, and fellow teachers. The local authorities have since revoked the decision, released the teachers, and classes have resumed, particularly for primary 8 candidates who are preparing for exams. Teachers' grievances have been addressed, and according to local officials, there are no more problems between the teachers and the administration.

Fishermen Attacked by Unknown Gunmen in Aweil North

On a Sunday night in Aweil North County, South Sudan, unknown gunmen attacked a group of fishermen at Kak Abar on the Kiir Adem River, injuring one individual, Angong Ajiing, and causing eleven others to flee. The missing fishermen were later found unharmed, but their belongings had been stolen. Local authorities, including the executive-director of Aweil North County, William Deng Mou, and the police inspector, Santino Garang Nyuol, confirmed the incident and the safe return of the missing persons. The wounded victim, Ajiing, is receiving medical treatment. A Member of Parliament, William Wel Deng, has called for disarmament and action from the state government and border peace committees to prevent such incidents and to control criminal activity along the border between Sudan and South Sudan.

SSPDF soldier kills pregnant woman, injures military policeman in Aweil East

In Aweil East County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, South Sudan, a soldier from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces named Mahmud Juma shot and killed a pregnant woman, Awein Bol, and injured a military policeman, Akoon Tong Mel. The incident occurred after Mahmud Juma had a domestic dispute with his wife, who had filed a case against him. When military police attempted to arrest him, he opened fire, injuring one and killing a neighbor who tried to intervene. The soldier is currently at large, and authorities are searching for him. The events were confirmed by the local police commissioner, Lt. Colonel Deng Chier, and the County Executive Director, Abraham Wiik Awan.

Youth participants in Nyamlel trained on combating discrimination and hate speech

In Aweil West County, Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, over forty youths participated in a training program on May 21-22, 2020, focusing on the negative impacts of discrimination and hate speech. The training resulted in several resolutions, including the promotion of peaceful conflict resolution, the suspension of hate speech, fostering a spirit of love and brotherhood, combating polygamy, supporting equality, and initiating football tournaments to strengthen community peace. Participants expressed their appreciation for the training, noting its potential to transform their communities positively. Key speakers included David Deng, Josephine Akech Lueth, and Joseph Deng, who highlighted the challenges faced by local youth such as job scarcity, low education levels, and poverty. William Deng Deng, the project manager for RACBO-South Sudan, emphasized the importance of addressing hate speech and discrimination. The program was funded by the Swedish government through the UNDP.