By Yiep Joseph
Vice President for Infrastructure, Taban Deng Gai, has called on South Sudanese communities to put an end to early and forced marriages.
Speaking at the 40th-day prayers for the late Bior Ajang, highlighted that many young girls continue to suffer from the impact of child marriages.
“My message to people of Jonglei and other communities in this function: please stop marrying under age; small girls cannot be married.” Taban said
He urged communities in Jonglei in particular and other communities in general to focus on taking their girls to school to graduate and later get married.
“Please stop marrying small girls; let them first complete their university,” he said.
VP Taban pointed out that some communities mistakenly believe that mature, educated women are difficult to manage, leading to the preference for younger brides.
He stressed that marrying educated individuals is a wise choice, as they contribute positively to family life.
He also addressed the issue of high bride prices, urging communities to reconsider their demands.
“These issue of demanding for 200, 300, 500 cows is not good,” he said.
In his part, Biar Mading Biar, Chairperson of the Twic East Community, echoed Taban’s sentiments, calling for unity and urging the government to support communities affected by flooding.
In 2022 The First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, married off his daughter, Meer to William Deng with 45 cows as dowry in a customary marriage in Juba, which was described as a symbolic gesture of cultural commitment.