A captivating chapter in South Sudanese tradition closed triumphantly on February 1, 2026, as Thon Chol Riak married Atong Aguto Monyroor in a grand ceremony at Wonderland Event Center in Shirkhat, Juba.
The event, shared widely on social media with photos and videos, marked the official union after Thon emerged victorious.
The competition, deeply embedded in Dinka customs, treated marriage as a profound alliance between families and clans rather than solely between individuals.
Public negotiations centered on livestock, cash, property, and commitments that reflect social prestige and honor.
It ignited in December 2025 when bids escalated for Atong Aguto Monyroor (also referred to as Atong Aguto Pach in some reports), drawing national and diaspora attention to the cultural practice.
The rival side, the Awulian community supporting Mabior Abit Biar, presented an impressive package of 158 cows, 161 goats, dozens of sheep, a town bungalow, seven plots of land in Juba, two vehicles, and about KSh 3.2 million ($25,000) in cash.
Yet the Abang community, representing Thon Chol Riak, countered decisively with 297 cows, KSh 9.9 million ($77,000) in cash, additional land and assets, and educational sponsorships for two in-laws, securing the bride's hand.
Comments (0)
Please sign in to join the conversation.
Loading comments...