By Our Reporter
WORLD
A South Sudanese girl from Malual- buoth Anyar of Kolnyang payam in Bor has been married off at a staggering bride price of 186 cows.
The black beauty, Yar Achok Anyijong was over the weekend married off to Kuot Ajok Lual Ajok from Pathuyith of Baidit payam.
The record breaking dowry surpasses that of Nyalong that was married off to Bor Tycoon Kok Alaat at 160 cows plus cars.
In South Sudan, the price of a daughter, determined in negotiations between her father and would-be husband, is typically 50 to 100 cows, each worth up to $1,000.
A girl viewed as beautiful, fertile and of high social rank can bring as many as 200 cows. One girl in a well-publicized case a few years ago was auctioned off for 520 cows, plus cars.
“The younger the girl marries, the more the family gets cattle in return,” said Jackline Nasiwa, executive director of the Center of Inclusive Governance, Peace and Justice in South Sudan’s capital, Juba. “They sell their daughters so that they get something to survive.”
Though South Sudanese law limits marriage to those aged 18 and over, it’s rarely enforced, particularly in rural areas.
