Beyond the Podium: Examining the Responsibility of Public Speakers in South Sudan – The Case of Junior William Deng

Empty Pdium (File Image)

By Deng Duot D'Ajur, Brisbane, Australia

In today's world of ubiquitous social media platforms, information travels faster than ever before. Recently, Junior William Deng was given an opportunity to speak at a private function organized by the family of Ambassador Kur-Ajith Garang Deng in Juba, celebrating the ambassador's promotion. He spoke as a friend to the newly promoted Ambassador Kur Garang Deng.

It is widely acknowledged that diplomacy plays a critical role in international politics. However, Junior William Deng misinterpreted the term "ambassador," defining it as someone with nefarious intentions working covertly. He further suggested that an ambassador works in a foreign country to plan its defeat. Such statements can generate disbelief among those capable of making informed judgments in public gatherings.

In reality, an ambassador represents their country and government on foreign soil. Their role involves raising diplomatic concerns with appropriate parties and helping resolve problems before they escalate. Essentially, they serve as an exemplar of their country of origin, particularly for South Sudan.

Moreover, ambassadors strengthen and promote economic situations and democracy. They manage relations between two nations in accordance with agreements. Notably, in deteriorating situations, ambassadors may be recalled to their home country or reassigned to embassies in other nations with ties to South Sudan.

The roles and responsibilities of ambassadors are clearly defined in international relations studies. As the highest-ranking diplomats, they represent government policies and interests at overseas missions. They oversee bilateral relations, including immigration and security matters, often working with military and security attachés in embassies or consulates. During crises, ambassadors organize meetings and discuss treaties to reduce tensions.

Furthermore, embassies deploy official military and security attachés to collect and analyze potentially harmful information for citizens of both countries. A significant example is Eli Cohen of Israel, who, though not officially an ambassador, used similar skills to help the IDF defeat Arab forces in the Six-Day War of 1967.

The second concerning aspect of Junior William Deng's speech was his attribution of unnecessary deaths to Dr. John Garang de Mabior's revolution. It's important to note that revolutions throughout history, including the French, Russian, and Chinese revolutions, have involved bloodshed. The Sudanese struggle did not begin with Dr. John Garang in 1983; many earlier struggles occurred including the killing of Jonglei chiefs such as Paramount Chief Ajang Duot Bior in 1967, the assassination of Malek Secondary School headmaster Mr. Wach Awuol Joh in 1965, and the killing of Captain Nuul Bior Akuein from the Ayual community in 1965.

Many patriotic South Sudanese leaders had struggled and paid the ultimate price for liberation before Dr. Garang's emergence. These leaders include William Deng Nhial, a prominent politician assassinated in 1968; Father Saturnino Lohure, a Catholic priest and political leader killed in 1967; Joseph Oduho, a founding member of the Sudan African National Union who died in 1993; Aggrey Jaden, the first president of the Sudan African National Union; and Clement Mboro, a notable politician and former minister.

In South Sudan's history, figures like Joseph Garang, Samuel Gai Tut, Akuot Atem de Mayen, Benjamin Bol Akok, Joseph Oduho, William Deng Nhial, Chief Ajang Duot Bior, and Dr. John Garang de Mabior gave their lives for the good of South Sudanese people. Their contributions created the South Sudan of today.

William Deng Jr.'s suggestion that suffering can lack meaning helps in understanding the history of struggle. However, it's crucial to recognize that Dr. John Garang is just one part of Sudan's complex history. Despite the challenges faced during the liberation struggle, Dr. Garang stood tall in his efforts to liberate the marginalized people of Sudan. Unlike leaders such as Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, or the Khmer Rouge regime, Dr. John Garang de Mabior did not pursue a racist or extremist ideology. 

Another statement made by Junior William Deng, referring to himself as a woman attending Pawel Town with "Nyonga" or distillation, is embarrassing for someone aspiring to be a public speaker or politician. Junior William Deng's repeated use of examples involving conflicts between Adhiok and Awulian communities over land conquest is worth noting. In a global context, land disputes have always existed between societies, as evidenced by the Ottoman and Roman Empires.

In conclusion, public speaking can be damaging if one chooses words and historical context recklessly. Dr. John Garang liberated South Sudanese people with good intentions, aiming to improve the underdeveloped region with meaning and dignity. I strongly recommend that Junior William reconsider his narrative about ambassadors and their responsibilities. When speaking in public, he should carefully construct narratives suitable for his audience, considering those who truly want to reflect on the purpose and meaning of their lives.

Deng Duot D'Ajur is a concerned South Sudanese Australian who can be reached via his email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.