South Sudanese army director of information suspended with no explanation
June 7, 2015 (NAIROBI) – A long serving director of information and public relations in the headquarters of the South Sudanese army (SPLA) in Juba has been suspended earlier this month . Sources cite his recent remarks broadcasted on South Sudan Television (SSTV) as contributing to the decision.
Brigadier General Malaak Ayuen was suspended from his duty by president Salva Kiir’s directive to the chief of general staff, General Paul Malong Awan, who effected the suspension order.
No explanation was given for Malaak’s sudden suspension but reliable military sources told Sudan Tribune that it could be over his recent remarks on SSTV a day before his suspension in which he expressed his decision against the return of five former detainees, led by ex-cabinet affairs minister, Deng Alor Kuol.
Other sources also cited his comments after his visit to Melut town in Upper Nile state last week during which he talked of weak leadership in the country. He made the remarks after accompanying to Melut town defence minister, Kuol Manyang Juuk, chief of general staff, Paul Malong Awan, and petroleum minister, Stephen Dhieu Dau days after the army recaptured the town from rebel forces.
Malaak has been producing and airing army program on SSTV for the past three years and recently produced a controversial video footage alleging the defeat from Melut town of the South Sudanese rebels led by former vice president Riek Machar.
The rebels however dismissed the authenticity of the video footage, saying even the date indicated in it didn’t match the date the rebels withdrew from the town.
Many critics describe Brig Gen Malaak as tribal army officer who had been allegedly preaching hatred using hate speeches on the South Sudanese army’s TV program.
It is not however clear for how long he will remain suspended. Sources further claim that he may likely be transferred to wildlife brigade, which is part of the general police force in the country.
Attempts by Sudan Tribune to confirm from official sources the reasons behind Malaak’s suspension were not successful.
(ST)