Former Minister of Health Family Confirms Legal Separation from Agel Ring Machar

By Staff

Family members of former South Sudanese Minister of Health Hon. Yolanda Awel Deng Juach have confirmed that her marriage to Agel Ring Machar legally ended on Jan. 25, 2026, following years of unsuccessful reconciliation efforts.

According to the family, efforts to address the marital dispute began in 2021 when elders, chiefs, and family representatives intervened. However, recurring issues persisted through 2024.

An application for legal dissolution was subsequently filed with the High Court in Juba in early January 2025. A family member stated that legal action was taken following concerns regarding Awel’s personal safety, including intimidation and threats of violence.

“Awel feared for her life because of intimidation involving violence, among other issues,” the family source said, noting that traditional and family-led interventions had been exhausted before turning to the courts.

Meanwhile, Agel confirmed that he and Awel are no longer living together.

“Both are no longer living together as husband and wife. They only share children between them. Pay close attention. Stay guided, comrades,” Agel said.

Despite the dissolution, the family emphasized that relations between both families will remain intact for the sake of their children.

“It is the marriage that has ceased, but the children will serve as a bridge among us all,” the family member added.

Awel’s Background

Awel is currently in the final stages of her Doctor of Social Sciences (PhD) degree at Royal Roads University in Canada. Her doctoral research focuses on basic health service delivery in South Sudan, specifically evaluating governance, leadership, and policy frameworks to improve healthcare for women and children under five.

Awel served as South Sudan’s national Minister of Health from March 2022 to February 2025. Her public service career includes serving as Executive Director of the Southern Sudan Referendum Bureau and as the first Registrar General of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in 2012.

Following South Sudan’s independence in 2011, she served as the first Clerk of the Council of States, a position she held when she married Agel Ring Machar.

Between 2007 and 2010, Awel completed her primary and secondary education through scholarships from the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) before earning her bachelor’s degree in Canada through the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) refugee scholarship program. She later earned her master’s degree in 2018.

Agel Ring Machar has also held prominent public roles, including serving as a press secretary and leading the South Sudan National Youth Union.

Attempts to reach Agel or his legal representatives for further comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.