Privacy is essential. Regardless of status, race, religion, civilisation, or traditional norms, we must respect the privacy of individuals, or else we breach privacy acts. This bullying behaviour could cause trauma or depression in someone, so let us be mindful of our actions. Internationally, privacy acts are incorporated into regulation and national law. The current South Sudan constitution might have such rules and laws. Let us observes rules all the time, or else we can be sued for breaching regulations or national laws. This week social media criminals (SMCs: a term by minister cabinet of ministers, Martin Elia Lomurowe) are busy debating the marriage of Kuei Madol Ajak Ngong and Philip Kuol Awuou Baar as if it is the only issue facing our country. Why don't we invest time and energy in preaching peace to save lives? Why don't we invest this time researching flood and food security solutions? Why don't we invest this time in recording history from our elders? Why don't we invest in the private sector and discuss things that benefit the individual and society? Why don't we attach ourselves to older people to gain knowledge from them? They are willing to prepare the next generation, but the question is: are we ready? Leave this issue to Wut Aboudit, Nyara and the Church that gave them wedding credentials. Is this a blessing or a curse? We must control our tongues. Otherwise, we will get a curse. Let's respect elders' and other communities' decisions. Last year I warned that you cannot chop down all the trees in a forest. Some are of particular importance, regarded as holy, and must not be chopped down regardless of the situation. The same applies to humans. There are figures with unique gifts one must respect. Otherwise, offending them could bring a curse to oneself. Let's be careful at all times. Many would agree that South Sudan has gone through a lot. There is a disproportionate ratio of men to women due to war. We must respect the traditions and norms: every woman deserves a man. But the river of women dried at 45%. Let's obey the decision involving the church and parents. Women born in 1990 remained bachelorettes, like men who stayed bachelors due to the constant increment of bride prices. Twenty years ago, I discussed the regulation of bride prices with the Late Hon. Elijah Malok Aleng and, then commissioner, Late Hon. Arou Maan Chot. However, nothing succeeded. They aimed to encourage young people to marry within their tribes according to norms and tradition, or else they ought to marry other cultures which are not harmful. It is happening now. For example, a few had married Kenyans and now have a successful marriage. I remember my friend Panther Mach saying that Jieng is proud of nothing. Is Nelson Mandela a son of their daughter? All humans are the same, and we must respect other ethnicities. Still, no success has been made, resulting in an increment of bachelorettes and bachelors across the country which is heartbreaking. I must thank Ruweng chiefs for regulating the bride prices. Every market must be controlled. Please let me know once they decide to write a book. That is what I care much about and is my business to mind now.
This has been a message from the Chief, Peter Deng, of the Foundation of the traditional council of Chiefs.