'My children were killed, I sustained terrible injuries during the war, and now neglected by the SPLA'

Ajuong Bol Atem (Ajuongmachokkuei) was the SPLA Intifada Battalion famous singer and composer of many revolutionary songs during the war. Now living as a neglected veteran in his home village of Agany, the former lost boys of Sudan came to his aide after they heard of his suffering. They were able to transport Ajuong from Twic Mayardit to Kuacjok. Ajuong was interviewed on SBS Dinka five years ago on the 12 April 2015

SPLA Intifada Battalion Singer Ajuong-Machokuei Bol Atem Source: Supplied

Ajuong left his village of Agany in Twic Mayardit and went to Ethiopia to join the SPLA (Sudanese people Revolution Movement/Army) in 1987. He was trained at Bungo Military Training Institute in 1988, then dispatched to the frontline in 1989/90 with Kon Anok Campaign under the leadership of Salva Kiir Mayardit, deputised by Bol Agaany.

Ajuong was injured in the battlefield more than one. When Yei was captured in 1997, Ajuong asked his seniors if he could be allowed to go back to the village with his wife and children? He was given that permission, but he asked his wife to go first with children to Twic in Bhar el gazal, but the unfortunate incident happened on the way. Ajuong children were killed in a car accident. For all the years he spent in the struggle and to have members of his family killed in one incident, Ajuong life was changed forever. Here is the full story.