South Sudanese Man Marries Bride After Winning Dowry Battle With 297 Cows and $77,000 Cash
A South Sudanese man, Thon Chol Riak, has married his bride, Atong Aguto Monyroor, in a lavish wedding ceremony following a high-profile dowry competition that drew widespread public attention.
The wedding took place on February 1, 2026, after months of intense rivalry rooted in Dinka marriage tradition, where marriage is regarded as a union between families and clans, with cattle symbolising honour and social status.
The contest began in December 2025, when two prominent families made extraordinary bids for Atong’s hand in marriage. The Awulian community, backing Mabior Abit Biar, reportedly offered 158 cows, 161 goats, several sheep, a town bungalow, seven plots of land in Juba, two vehicles, and about $25,000 in cash.
However, the Abang community, supporting Thon Chol Riak, emerged victorious with a larger offer that included 297 cows, about $77,000 in cash, land, additional assets, and educational sponsorships for two in-laws.
