By Matik Kueth
The South Sudan Freight Forwarders’ Association (SSFFA) elected Deng Daniel as the new president in Juba on Monday.
The election, held at Juba’s Landmark Hotel, saw Daniel secure a decisive victory, garnering 23 votes from the senators, defeating his opponent, Mayom Jacob, who received seven votes out of 30 votes.
Daniel replaced the former president, Mr. Deng Deng Deng, who held the position for nearly a decade since 2018.
Meanwhile, Mawa Moses was elected as the association’s new executive officer, receiving 16 votes, while Majok Malou secured the position of Secretary for Finance with 17 votes, defeating his opponent, Kuot Hassan.
In an interview with King Media after the election, Daniel expressed his appreciation to all senators, including those who did not vote for him, promising that his administration would be inclusive and transparent in its delivery.
“I appreciate each and everyone who has voted for me, those who did not vote for me, and those who have won as well. We promise that this industry will not be the same again. Since I came into this industry as the chairperson, we have a slogan that says we are leaving no one behind, and indeed, we are leaving no one behind. To my colleagues who have lost, it is the right time for us to take you to the NRA or SSRA. This industry is for a brave generation.”
Daniel stated that the contestants failed not because they were incompetent but rather because the seat could not accommodate two persons.
“You did not make it not because you cannot, but because the chance and the seats are only limited. I want to say thank you for your participation; you made this exercise very colorful because a competitive exercise is always the best.” he stated.
Mayom Jacob, who contested for the presidential position, accepted the defeat, pointing out that candidates frequently lose elections, underlining the importance of empowering the next generation of leaders.
Mayom Jacob, candidate who failed to secure the position of the presidency [Photo Credit: William Maduok, King News]
“It is not new for someone to fail in an election. It is part of the process, and I will not complain. We shall be with you. I will not leave the business, that is my field, and that is why I went to study procurement and logistics. I will be there for whoever needs advice, will be given, the future is still far. We shall give a chance to the new generation,” he stressed.
However, Akuei Abraham, Head of the Independent Electoral Commission, lauded the election participants and urged them to keep the pledges they made in their manifestos.
“We thank God that this election was successful, and we look forward to the development programs laid down by those who won. Don’t ever think that, as humans, you can be satisfied in all your fields of operations; that’s a lie. Even God himself cannot give you everything. So, for those who have won, congratulations! Thank God for your achievements,” he said.
The SSFFA was legally registered in 2018 and now employs over 200 customs clearing agents, making a substantial contribution to South Sudan’s economy by improving logistics and lowering costs for key imports. This election is the association’s first democratic election since its inception in 2018.