In a statement sent to Eye Radio on Thursday, August 13, Awel said her marriage to Machar legally ended on 25 January 2026 after years of unsuccessful efforts to resolve differences between them.

According to Awel, attempts to address the marital dispute began in 2021 when elders, chiefs and representatives from both families intervened in efforts to reconcile the couple. However, she said the disagreements persisted despite repeated mediation efforts and continued until 2024.

The former Minister said an application seeking the legal dissolution of the marriage was subsequently filed before the High Court in Juba in January 2025.

She further stated that the legal action followed concerns about her personal safety, including alleged intimidation and threats.

Awel noted that all traditional and family-led efforts to save the marriage had been exhausted before the matter was brought before the court.

She also emphasized that while the marriage had ended, relations between the two families would continue because of the children they share.

Awel added that the matter is currently before the court and expressed hope that the legal process would proceed without interference.

Agel Ring Machar, however, disputed Awel’s account and presented a different version of events surrounding the marital dispute.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Thursday, August 13, he confirmed that the couple is no longer living together as husband and wife but disputed claims that the marriage legally ended in January 2026.

“What she said is not true. She wants to end it. She initiated the divorce proceedings in Juba County Court while I was in exile,” Machar said.

According to Machar, the petition was filed in October 2025 after he left South Sudan following a political dispute involving former Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel.

He said the divorce application alleges that the couple had not lived together as husband and wife for several years and that Awel had been subjected to violence during the marriage.

Machar denied the allegations. “I rejected the petition because there is no ground for the dissolution of marriage. The allegations of violence are not true,” he said.

He further argued that no evidence had been presented before the court to support the claims. “The court has asked for evidence and witnesses. There is no proof of violence. In front of God, there is no violence,” Machar said.

Machar claimed the breakdown of the marriage was linked to political differences that had developed over several years, particularly regarding their involvement in different political camps.

He said he had repeatedly advised Awel to distance herself from the SPLM-IO, arguing that doing so would protect the family amid growing political tensions. According to him, Awel declined to follow that advice.

“It is politically motivated. I advised her several times to step back from politics for the safety of the family, but she chose to continue with her political career. She was forced to choose between her husband and her political career, and she chose her political career,” Machar alleged.

Despite contesting the reasons cited for the divorce, Machar said he had accepted the separation in practice.

“Since November last year, I moved out and left the house, vehicles and family business to her. I want to give her the space and dignity she wants, but I cannot accept allegations that portray me as a violent person when they are not true,” he said.

Machar said the matter remains before the court, with a hearing scheduled for 21 August 2026.