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The history of Adiang mayom community

The Adiang Mayom community is part of the larger Twic Mayardit Dinka community found in Warrap State, especially around Wunrok Payam in Twic County. The people are mainly pastoralists who value cattle keeping, farming, traditional leadership, and strong family ties. Their history is deeply connected with the history of the Dinka people and the liberation struggle of South Sudan.

Historically, Adiang Mayom is known as an important community within Twic Mayardit. Some writings explain that “Adiang Mayomdit” became a broader name used for several sections living in Wunrok Payam. According to community discussions, the original Adiang Mayom mainly referred to Majok and Kak sections, while other neighboring sections such as Hol, Gumtoor, Jahbaar, and Awudeng later became associated together under the same community identity.

The community produced many respected leaders, chiefs, spiritual figures, and military commanders. One of the famous traditional leaders mentioned in community history is Chief Paulino Cyer Rehan, who participated in the historic Juba Conference that discussed the future of southern Sudan before independence. Another well-known figure connected to the area is Kerubino Kuanyin Bol, one of the founders of the SPLA liberation movement in 1983.

Like many communities in South Sudan, Adiang Mayom experienced hardships during the First and Second Sudanese Civil Wars. Many youth joined the liberation struggle, while civilians suffered displacement, cattle raiding, hunger, and insecurity. Warrap and Twic areas became important centers supporting the SPLM/A struggle for South Sudan’s independence.

Culturally, the community is strongly rooted in Dinka traditions. Cattle are central to marriage, songs, ceremonies, and identity. Traditional chiefs and elders continue to play major roles in solving disputes, preserving customs, and maintaining peace among sections and neighboring communities.

C***r Rehan / Cier Rehan Nuër (1910 – 1981 was the Paramount Chief of the Adiang Sub-section of the Twic Dinka in Northern Bahr el Ghazal. Here’s how he’s remembered for his leadership in society: 3c90

1. Bridge between tradition and modern governance
He took over the chieftaincy in 1946 after Chief Bol Chol grew old. But he wasn’t just a traditional leader. He was educated at Kuajok Catholic Missionary School under Fr. Arthur Nebel and Wau Intermediate School. That education let him serve first as a teacher 1928-1931, then as a District clerk 1931-1946. So he could speak both “the language of the elders” and the language of the colonial administration. 3c90

2. Voice for his people at national level
C***r Rehan represented Bahr el Ghazal beyond his section:
- Juba Conference 1947: He attended as one of the government delegates. That conference shaped Sudan’s path to self-rule.
- Legislative Assembly, Khartoum: He represented Bahr el Ghazal in Sudan’s Legislative Assembly.
- Elected MP: He was elected to the House of Representatives in Khartoum in both 1953 and 1958. 3c90

That made him a key link: he carried Adiang/Twic concerns to Khartoum, and brought government decisions back home.

3. Diplomatic presence
His leadership was recognized internationally. In 1950 he traveled to Vatican, Italy as Catholic laity for Holy Year Celebrations. Then in 1953 he was one of only three dignitaries from Southern Sudan at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in London. The British Colonial Administration also awarded him a Robe of Honour, and later a first class Robe. 3c90

4. Leadership style in Jieng/Dinka context
Studies on Jieng chieftaincy note that chiefs like C***r Rehan were expected to use “good speech” to mediate violence and protect the community. Despite war and colonial changes that weakened traditional systems, chiefs were the ones holding society together through dispute resolution, maintaining order, and representing the community