Wany Bum Makhor, who represents Uror County in the Jonglei State Legislative Assembly, said the appointment of President Salva Kiir’s daughter has sparked mixed reactions among South Sudanese. While some citizens are hopeful she could influence the presidency to adopt dialogue and reforms, others remain sceptical.
“I have been keenly following these unfolding events. To my submission and confession, Hon. Adut Salva Kiir is an outstanding public speaker with unmatched confidence,” Makhor said in a statement.
He praised her eloquence on issues of dialogue, forgiveness, justice, accountability, and equitable distribution of resources, but cautioned that speeches alone will not resolve the country’s challenges.
“South Sudanese remain sceptical and somewhat confused as to whether her genuine intentions and challenging speeches will truly translate into tangible actions capable of uniting our seemingly disintegrated nation,” he added.
Makhor argued that although critics attribute Adut’s rise to the “accident of birth” as a member of the First Family, her confidence and resilience should not be overlooked.
“Some argue that her rise is not only due to her birth but also a result of meritocracy and her can-do leadership attitude,” he said.
Quoting a Nuer proverb, Makhor stressed that the real test lies ahead. “The burden of proof rests entirely on Adut’s shoulders. In Thok Nath, there is a saying: Guan Yaang ci te Buom, meaning the owner of the cow has been empowered to guard and protect her cow. Adut has been there from birth; she is not emerging from nowhere.”
He contrasted this with an earlier Dinka phrase used by former Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny: Wun Weng Ci Ben, or “The owner of the cow has arrived.”
Makhor concluded that Adut’s appointment must now be judged not by her family background but by her ability to deliver tangible change through inclusive leadership and national unity.
