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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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.…

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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…

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On Sovereignty And the Girl Child

By: Apuk Ayuel Mayen
Socio-Political Commentary2 Comments on On Sovereignty And the Girl Child

Sovereignty is a concept that is relevant to all tiers of existence and identity. I am a sovereign as an individual, and my power is my ability to freely exert my will towards a specific desired action/goal and in refusal to direct my intention towards an undesired/compelled goal through inaction. My sovereignty is inherently tied…

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The Beacon of Peace and The Sacred Grove

By: Apuk Ayuel Mayen
South Sudan, The Beautiful, , , Leave a Comment on The Beacon of Peace and The Sacred Grove

Duk Padiet – The Beacon of Peace We arrive at​ Duk Padiet in the morning, after a short flight from Juba. It is the rainy season, and to the pilot’s delight, the dirt landing strip is dry and clear of cattle, although we land right by the market’s cattle byre. I notice as immediately as…

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