Malong replaces spokesperson
The South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A), which is holding talks with the government for a ceasefire, has replaced the former secretary of information as the official spokesperson of the movement.
Garang Malual Deng Yak has been appointed as the new Secretary of Information and Communication Technology and the Spokesperson of SSUF/A.
“I Gen. Paul Malong Awan Anei, Chairman and C-in-C do hereby appoint; Garang Malual Deng Yaak as Secretary of Information and Communication Technology and Spokesperson of SSUF/A,” read the statement.
“This order shall come into force from the day of its signature by the Chairman and Commander in Chief of South Sudan United Front/Army.”
Deng Kuol Nguot, the Spokesperson for the SSUF/A forces, said that Yaak was more competent than Chapath and that was the reason for his appointment.
“We have confidence in him that is why we appointed him into this strategic position. He is more technical than Deng Chapath who recently resigned,” Nguot said.
Nguot reaffirmed their commitment to the Rome talks stressing that they were only waiting for the Rome talks to resume, which they suspected would happen soon.
Malong confirmed Chapath’s exit early this week, wishing him success in his political career.
“Cursed seat”
Chapath resigned in a letter dated January 23, 2022, criticising Malong’s leadership as lacking guidance, “nepotistic” and that he “treats people with the utmost disrespect.”
“Dear Gen, Paul, please accept this letter as notice of resignation from the South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) and as the official spokesperson and Secretary of ICT. I tender this resignation as a way of expressing my dissatisfaction with your actions towards South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) officials,” Deng said.
“You treat people with the utmost disrespect. You are nepotistic (sic) in all your actions, and you offered little or no leadership and guidance from inception to this date. Through this resignation notice, I also convey my message to the public that I will brief them through different media platforms to share with them my discontentment and the way forward. “
Deng Chapath took nearly six months in office in which he replaced Chol Duang, who resigned in July 2021, with the intention of pursuing a wider vision in nation-building while joining the government.
“This is to inform my family, friends, colleagues, and the public that I have resigned as spokesperson and member of the South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) under the leadership of Paul Malang Awan Anei,” said Duang.
“However, the time has come for me to do other things. I will still contribute towards nation-building and peace on different platforms,” he added.
Rome talks
After rebelling in 2017, Malong formed the South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) and then joined South Sudan Opposition Movement Alliance (SSOMA), and subsequently, Rome talked with the government in Rome.
In response to President Kiir’s call for resumption of Rome talks, SSOMA responded positively and joined a workshop in Nairobi, where it was agreed that SSUF/A and Real SPLM would be included in ceasefire monitoring.
The NAS, led by Thomas Cirilo, has remained silent in order to demonstrate its willingness to participate in the Rome talks, which are expected to resume soon.
The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) on Wednesday hailed the progress of Rome Talks and pledged to work hand in hand with the parties for a solution to be reached.
However, it reported NAS continued attacks, which they said needed an urgent intervention so that the citizens could live in a peaceful environment.
