Geng Yep

I am not happy with the speech delivered yesterday by Hon. Aleu Ayieny Aleu. It raises an important question of consistency. Before obtaining his current position in government, Aleu was among those who openly criticized the same government. When journalist Mading Ngor asked him, “You are part of the regime, why are you criticizing the government?” he responded, “I am the regime, and I have to tell the truth. If that truth can kill me, let it kill me, but I will speak the truth.”

During the time of former Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, Aleu also made strong statements, including saying, “Thiïn toong Kiir ken.” Therefore, what is wrong if Garang Deng Aguer is now criticizing the same regime in the same way Aleu did before?

This is a genuine question. Should criticism be acceptable only when it comes from some individuals and unacceptable when it comes from others? Or is there another reason behind the disagreement, considering Garang Deng Aguer is from Aweil while Aleu comes from Warrap, the home state of the President?

Leadership and public service should welcome honest opinions and open dialogue. The same freedom to speak the truth that Aleu defended for himself should be respected when others express their views.

Amb. Garang Deng Aguer Dau,
Thank you so much, dear elder and leader.
I truly appreciate your words of advice to H.E. the President of the Republic.
Even though it came late, you still deserve appreciation because you revealed what many people fear to say. You spoke the truth openly, and now it shows that our leaders have learned from the incidents involving General Paul Malong and Dr. BBM.
May God touch the heart of H.E. General Salva Kiir to appoint any capable son or daughter of Aweil who will do his or her best for the people of Aweil. We doubt those who are currently in power because they do not represent us; they are there for their own benefits, not for the people.
H.E., may God touch your heart to accept this advice and appoint Hon. Kiir Yor Lual, Dr. James Alich Garang, or Dr. BBM. These three great leaders have worked for the nation, not for personal interests.

keep your friendship strong, sir—
even if the world betrays you, true friends won’t let you fall.

Everything has its own time to go, but memories always remain.
In this post are my pictures from different times—different suits, different lifestyles. Each photo carries a story of growth and experience.
When I look at some of the youngest upcoming ones, they think they own the city, yet they have never even been outside the country. Still, they believe they are more “town” than those who came before them.
Sometimes, I just laugh—because time, experience, and humility always speak louder in the end.

Call for Unity Among Artists of Northern Bahr el Ghazal (Aweil)
By Geng Ateny Geng Atem (aka Geng Yep)
I write this message with deep concern over the continued disunity within our Artists’ Union in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. It is painful to see how selfish interests and greed have weakened a body that was meant to unite, protect, and uplift musicians.
Across the world, artists grow through unity—not division. When we put personal gain above collective progress, we destroy our own future and the legacy of our music.
I respectfully appeal to H.E. the Governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to consider reviving and guiding the Artists’ Union as part of his work plan. This would be a historic achievement. We remember how, in 2010, Gen. Paul Malong Awan, then Governor, supported artists to organize themselves and successfully form a legitimate union through elections. That leadership set a good example.
Today, the union is divided into factions, with self-proclaimed titles that do not reflect professional music systems. This confusion damages the image of our state. Former Governor Simon Ober Mawutdit tried to resolve this issue, but it remains unfinished.
Artists have powerful voices. When we sing good songs, we promote peace and unity; when we sing bad songs, we damage the image of our state. I therefore call on the Governor to bring artists together, guide them to form one legitimate leadership, and allow both senior and young artists to work as one family.
Let us choose unity over ego, institutions over individuals, and the future over selfishness.

"In tough times, whoever stands by you—
at the very least, always treat them with respect."