South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"

By Awan Achiek
President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Tuesday expressed profound sorrow over the death of Achien Yor Wal, the Aweil community paramount chief.
Wal, popularly known as Achien Maluecdit, died on December 27th 2024, in Juba after a prolonged illness.
In his condolence message, President Kiir described the late Wal as a peacemaker, wise negotiator and unifying force in the community.
Kiir said the late chief was not only a respected leader but also a beacon of hope and reconciliation.
“His wisdom and commitment to resolving conflicts have positively impacted Aweil community and the greater Bahr el Ghazal and South Sudan as a whole,” Kiir said in a condolence message seen by The Dawn.
Kiir described Wal as a man of exceptional character who was humble, friendly and a true peacemaker.
Wal’s mediation efforts halted communal conflicts in Korok and spearheaded some key peace initiatives in the late 1960’s.
“He was instrumental in fostering peace among different communities, participating in significant negotiations that brought about lasting resolutions to various disputes such as the Dinka Malual and Reizegat conflicts,” said Kiir.
Kiir said that Wal mediated Apuk Giir Thiik Peace Initiative between Lual and Amakiir in 1981 and was key mediator at the Wathalel conference that approved traditional customary laws in Tonj in 1974.
Additionally, Wal mediated the Wunlit peace and reconciliation conference of 1999.
Wal also mediated a peace initiative between Agar communities and their neighbors in Rumbek in 2004.
Wal was among the traditional chiefs who were invited to attend the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the Khartoum government and SPLM in Naivasha, Kenya, in 2004.
“His legacy of unification and diplomacy extends beyond his notable contribution to the Korok community; it resonates throughout South Sudan and into the hearts of all, regardless of age or gender,” said Kiir.
Wal was born on January 1st, 1941 and he dedicated his life to the service of his community while embodying the spirit of leadership and unity since assuming chieftaincy of the Korok Achien community in 1964.