A South Sudanese man weds a bride after paying a $77,000 dowry in cash, 297 cows, and plots of land, defeating his competitor who offered $25,000 and 158 cows.

 A South Sudanese man, Thon Chol Riak, has married his bride, Atong Aguto Monyroor, in a lavish wedding ceremony after a stiff competition from a rival. 

The high profile wedding ceremony took place on February 1, 2026, after months of public interest surrounding the couple’s courtship 

The marriage competition, rooted in Dinka tradition, involved public dowry negotiations including livestock, cash, land, and other valuable assets. 

Among many South Sudanese communities, marriage is seen as a union between families and clans rather than just two individuals, with cattle carrying cultural significance linked to honour and social standing. 

In the stiff competition, the Awulian community supporting Mabior Abit Biar reportedly offered 158 cows, 161 goats, and dozens of sheep. The offer also included a town bungalow, seven plots of land in Juba, two vehicles and about KSh 3.2 million ($25,000) in cash.

However, the Abang community, backing Thon Chol Riak, promised 297 cows and KSh 9.9 million ($77,000) in cash, land, other assets, and educational sponsorships for two in-laws.