Blog

Happy SPLA Day 2021!

By: Apuk Ayuel Mayen
Socio-Political Commentary, , , Leave a Comment on Happy SPLA Day 2021!

It is May 16, again. We remember May 16, 1983, the beginning of Sudan’s Peoples Liberation Army’s (SPLA) struggle for the freedom and dignity of our people, a struggle that culminated in an independent South Sudan. Though our struggle didn’t begin there, we also mark the day of the Torit Mutiny, August 18, 1955. Our…

Read More

Remembering Abyei (Part 1)

By: Apuk Ayuel Mayen
Socio-Political Commentary, Leave a Comment on Remembering Abyei (Part 1)

Abyei has been prominent on my mind since last Friday. On Saturday, I started to write this article. Little did I know that it would be prophetic. Sunday 16 May 2021 was another ominous day for Abyei. Messiriya assailants massacred twelve innocent Ngok Dinka civilians and injured others in Dunguop village, northeast of Abyei town.…

Read More

What the Heart Knows: An Introduction

By: Apuk Ayuel Mayen
Book Introductions & ReviewsLeave a Comment on What the Heart Knows: An Introduction

This collection of twenty-three (23) poems is set in South Sudan’s turbulent past and present, land and people. The poems cover an array of topics ranging from the author’s life as a refugee, a record of war in South Sudan and Sudan, nationalist sacrifices, a tribute to important personages in the recent history of South…

Read More

Remembering Our Martyrs

By: Apuk Ayuel Mayen
Poetry, Socio-Political Commentary, , , , , Leave a Comment on Remembering Our Martyrs

I re-member…
I re-member…
I re-member Battalion 104,
Volcano Battalion and Katiba Banat.

Read More

Happy 9th Independence Day, South Sudan!

By: Apuk Ayuel Mayen
Poetry, South Sudan, The BeautifulLeave a Comment on Happy 9th Independence Day, South Sudan!

Happy 9th Independence Day, South Sudan! As we celebrate, let us reflect and resolve to do better. As we celebrate, let us honor our sacrifice-laden past, and seize our opportunity-filled present to secure our prosperity-promised future. This young boy pictured celebrating our first independence day is now nearly a man. 9 years later, are his…

Read More

A Riotous Bosom

By: Apuk Ayuel Mayen
StoriesLeave a Comment on A Riotous Bosom

One smoldering afternoon in Juba found me completely uninspired. I needed two things: a refreshing drink and some excitement. Well, the first is a no brainer, Logali House’s kerkede[1]mixed with tonic water. It always satiates that desire. As for the latter, it is nothing a bar could offer. So, I turned to my ever-intriguing companion…

Read More

On the Choice of an Official Language in South Sudan[1]

By: Apuk Ayuel Mayen
Socio-Political CommentaryLeave a Comment on On the Choice of an Official Language in South Sudan[1]

The choice of an official language has a significant role in garnering a national identity, and I cannot overstate its centrality in the processes of nation and state building. In the case of South Sudan, the lingua franca is “Arabi Juba” in the Equatoria states, and many vernaculars of Arabic in the states bordering Sudan.…

Read More

The Big Tree

By: Apuk Ayuel Mayen
Reflections, Socio-Political CommentaryLeave a Comment on The Big Tree

“Be kind to all, at all times,” an adage my father says whenever he advises me on what brings blessings to one’s life. He also says that, regardless of how poor he may be, and what little possessions he boasts of, what is priceless, is his good name. “They can call me anything, but they…

Read More