In a brave move, Deborah Kuir Yach, formerly in hiding, has left South Sudan to reunite with her pregnant teenage daughter, Athiak, in Kenya. Deborah made this journey with her three younger daughters, seeking safety and a better future for them. She plans to enroll her daughters in school in Nairobi and hopes to eventually join her brother in Canada.
Deborah's decision to leave South Sudan was not without challenges. She faced threats and had to leave her home in Juba after opposing a competition for Athiak's hand in marriage last year. Despite these threats, she is resolute in her commitment to be with Athiak during this crucial time, guiding her into motherhood and helping care for the baby.
Athiak's pregnancy comes amid a complex legal situation involving her father, Dau Riak Magany, who stands accused of arranging her marriage, a crime under South Sudanese law. However, the court case against him has stalled, leaving the family in turmoil. Athiak sided with family members who orchestrated her marriage, causing a rift with her mother.
“Athiak disagrees with what I have done. She says that I brought shame to the family,” said Deborah Kuir Yach.
Deborah remains steadfast in her decision, stating she will not return to an environment where she feels mistreated.
“But I explained to her that I didn’t want to stay where I am mistreated. Athiak wants to protect the image of the family but I will not go back, I am following my truth and my right,” she added.
In Kenya, Deborah is focused on securing a stable future for her daughters. Her brother, Daniel Chol Yach, is supporting her efforts by providing accommodation for the family.
“Now I want to make sure that my sister, Deborah, and my nieces have a better future. I’m renting a place for them in Nairobi. The kids will go to school there, and that will protect them from what happened to Athiak. With good education, they’ll be able to know what is best for their future.” – Daniel Chol Yach
The South Sudan public prosecution office rejected Deng's attempts to have Athiak returned from Kenya as of October 2024. This has enabled Deborah to stay by her daughter's side as she prepares for the arrival of her grandchild.
Deborah’s concerns extend beyond Athiak’s immediate situation. She fears that remaining in South Sudan would expose her younger daughters to similar fates, potentially leading to early marriages.
“I just found out that he brought another wife home,” Deborah revealed, highlighting the complicated family dynamics.
Daniel Chol Yach expressed his frustration at the legal system's inefficacy in addressing his niece's plight.
“My niece is now pregnant and I’m not seeing this case going anywhere,” he stated.