Abyei FM used to deliver awareness-creating programs to discuss new negative habits in society. On the Umbrella Program of Monday 22nd April, the station interviewed the Chief of the Abior clan of the Ngok Nine Chiefdoms, Ring Achuil Juoc on the expensive funerals. The topic is controversial and always gets different views from members of the community.
Chief Ring advocated for the restoration of old traditions where only costly funerals were accorded to people with ranking positions in society.
He said enforcing this position requires a consensus among chiefs and the community at large.
“The economic situation is deteriorating and not everyone can afford to buy more than one bull plus many other things. This expensive funeral was wrongly adopted from Sudan, but the Sudanese contributed to organizing such an occasion,” he said.
Chief Ring suggests that people go to the funeral to convey condolences and give hands instead of becoming a burden.
In 2021, the Ngok community of Abyei reviewed its traditions and ruled to discourage costly funerals and marriages. But it seems few people abide by those customary laws.