Tribal tensions have disrupted the planned wedding of lawyer Josephine Adhet Deng, who was set to marry Dr. Dargiu Diu on 14 February 2026. The cancellation of the scheduled dowry negotiations has sparked public debate, with Ms. Josephine calling for solutions and urging that state and political matters be separated from social and family issues.
In an official statement released this week, Ms. Josephine sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding both her previous marriage and the recent cancellation of her wedding arrangements.
According to her statement, Ms. Josephine said she was subjected to an arranged marriage in 2003 at the age of eight. She stated that the arrangement was conducted without her consent and without proper family consultation, alleging that her elder brother arranged the marriage to Gen. Atem Gualdit.
She reported that the arrangement led to her withdrawal from school in Panliet Awan Mou Ring and that attempts by a teacher to challenge the matter legally were unsuccessful.
Ms. Josephine later sought legal redress, and on 10 December 2022, a competent court granted her a formal divorce. In 2023, a subsequent petition filed by Gen. Atem Gualdit at a village court in Panliet was dismissed, and the divorce was reaffirmed. She further stated that all dowry obligations were refunded in full, as documented by the court, legally concluding the marriage.
In early 2024, Ms. Josephine informed her family of her intention to marry Dr. Dargiu Diu. Initial meetings reportedly took place with family members, and approval was given for the marriage process to proceed. Preparations began, and 14 February 2026 was set as the wedding date.
However, disagreements later arose within the family regarding the handling of the dowry negotiations. Ms. Josephine stated that concerns were also raised by community leaders about her fiancé’s Nuer ethnicity and the prevailing insecurity in Upper Nile.
During consultations with community figures, questions were reportedly raised about whether the marriage should proceed in light of ongoing regional tensions. Ms. Josephine questioned the connection between political or security issues and her personal marriage decision.
On 13 February 2026, Ms. Josephine said she was contacted by national security officials and asked to appear for clarification. Following the meeting, the dowry negotiation event scheduled at Dembesh Hotel was halted. As a result, both the dowry negotiations and the wedding ceremony planned for 14 February were cancelled.
In her statement, Ms. Josephine emphasized that she is a legally divorced adult woman with the right to make independent decisions regarding her marriage. She maintained that the cancellation was not voluntary but occurred following external pressure.
She called for peaceful dialogue, respect for elders, and lawful processes, while urging that tribal and political considerations should not interfere in personal and family matters.
“This statement is issued to ensure that the public receives accurate information and to protect my dignity and integrity,” she said, appealing to all parties to refrain from spreading misinformation.
The incident has reignited discussions about tribal divisions, women’s rights, and the intersection of politics and private life within the community.
