South Sudanese man weds bride after paying dowry of $77,000, 297 cows and plots of land (Photos)

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

The marriage competition involved a public dowry negotiation which included livestock, cash, land, and other valuable properties.

In all, the man was able to wed his wife after paying $77,000 dowry in cash, 297 cows and plots of land. His competitor fell short after he could only offer $25,000 and 158 cows.

The high profile wedding came off on February 1, 2026 after the process had began from December 2025.

“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,” some media outlets reported.

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.