Traditional Leaders Profiles
Executive Chief Dau Reec Deng Lual of the Dinka Dachuek,
Twich East, Jonglei State
‘We are Africa, we are
the same. We don’t mind there is gaps, if we didn’t
think [things could change.]’
We are speaking on Executive Chief’s Dau Reec Deng
Lual’s birthday (September 1). He proudly shows me the
correct date in his passport, where for so many Sudanese,
only 1/1/19xx is marked in their official record.
‘I am from the Bacing village, the Panlual clan, which
is the largest in the section, the Dinka Dachuek section,
of which I am the head. I have 2 wives and 6 children. I started
school in 1976 in Wongolei, and was there until 1984, when
I went to the SPLA in Jonglei as a First Lieutenant. My father
died in 1993, and my uncle Lual Deng succeeded. He was taken
away by the government during a demonstration. I was sent
home [by the SPLA] in 2004, and [finally] succeeded my father
in 2005.’
Chief Dau is convinced of the values necessary for his success.
‘Community is the foundation of every government. When
you are head of the people you have to be patient, tolerant,
[have] forgiveness, neutrality, [be] humble. You have to listen,
be a good analyse. Being a government official you can do
a lot of good, national duties.’
He sees education as of critical importance. ‘People
are now relying on education. Education is the key. You cannot
reach anywhere without the key. You cannot be a leader. When
you are wise amongst the natives you are a problem [because]
people may not understand. Except through education. People
have to be educated to know the function of government, to
know what is good and what is bad.’
‘Fighting between the Nuer and Dinka, it is the political
wing. The leader is an example to and of his people. God willing,
the future is education, to use the land properly for agriculture.
[They] don’t know how to use ox-plough. Teach them to
depend on themselves.’
Chief Dau is alternately optimistic and pessimistic about
future prospects. ‘Ours (culture) is very backward.
They [the visit countries] have developed their cultures.
[We have had] many governments by revolutions, no evolution
in policy of recognising traditional leaders. Even the changes
have come influenced. Educated people can deny they are the
ones coming from it. The cultures are what can distinguish
you between other people. We differ in succession [for example].
Our visit has an impact, [but] the reason why our government
won’t do anything is the head of the government didn’t
care.’
‘We are Africa, we are the same. We don’t mind
there is gaps, if we didn’t think [things could change.]’
‘I hope everybody all over the world to have success,
to have a history of achievements, to have a legacy [for their]
people.’
