Aweil East State

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Aweil East, also known as Abiem, was a state in South Sudan from October 2, 2015, to February 22, 2020. It was in the Bahr el Ghazal region, with Wanyjok as its capital and largest city. The state covered about 6,172 square kilometers and had an estimated population of 571,728 people in 2018. It bordered Twic State and Gogrial State to the east, Aweil State to the south, Lol State to the west, the disputed Abyei region to the northeast, and Sudan to the north. Its nickname was “The Home of Peace,” reflecting local efforts to maintain peace.

Aweil East was created when President Salva Kiir announced a change from 10 states to 28 in 2015, a move later approved by Parliament as an amendment. The state was divided into several counties and two municipalities, including Malualkon and Majok Yinh Thiou.

Locally, towns like Malualkon hosted radio stations such as Wer Bei and Nhomlau FM. Due to its proximity to Sudan and Abyei, goods often moved through nearby border areas to supply markets in Lol and Aweil states.