By Hou Akot Hou
Youth leaders embroiled in a power struggle over the youth union in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, have declined to hand over union assets following their removal by the national youth union leadership.
The conflict originated between former Chairperson Tito Awen Bol and Garang Akuei Deng, who was appointed by the previous governor to replace Bol. This dispute prompted the National Youth Union to intervene and seek a new body to succeed both leaders.
Bol Akuar Gamar, the state’s Minister of Youth and Sports, announced the establishment of a preparatory committee to oversee the election process for a new youth body.
He has called for Awen and Deng to relinquish essential assets, including the union’s stamp, computers, and bank account.
“What is concerning is the unwillingness of Tito Awen and Garang to hand over the assets. We need them to facilitate a smooth transfer of power,” he expressed frustration.
He urged the two leaders to adhere to the directives.
In response, Tito Awen, who resigned amid allegations of irregularities and political polarization, described the minister’s demand as premature.
“We cannot hand over assets to the preparatory committee. We will transfer what we have to the new body. The stamp belongs to the officially elected chairperson of the Northern Bahr El Ghazal youth, not the preparatory committee. They need to obtain their own stamp,” Awen stated.
Garang Akuei Deng, who temporarily assumed leadership during Awen’s ousting, expressed surprise at the lack of cooperation from Minister Akuar.
He indicated that they would be willing to hand over the assets once formally called to the office.
As preparations for the new youth body’s elections continue, many young people in the state remain frustrated with political interference in youth affairs, calling for a genuine exercise of democracy and leadership.