Jonglei governor sacks deputy, two ministers over rebel links

January 1, 2014 (JUBA) – The caretaker governor of South Sudan rebel-held Jonglei state has dismissed all dissident officials suspected of involvement in rebellion.

John Kong Nyuon, in a decree read on state television, fired his deputy, Hussein Maar Nyuot who has now joined rebels loyal to the country’s former vice-president Riek Machar. Nyout is now part of the rebel delegation for talks with government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Also dismissed were Gabriel Duop Lam, until recently the minister for law enforcement, and his physical infrastructure counterpart, Manuoa Kuol Gatkouth. The duo reportedly vanished after conflict broke out in the state two weeks ago.

The decree, however, made no mention of who replaces the sacked officials whom Sudan Tribune could not easily reach.

The government of Jonglei currently operates from its coordination office Juba after rebels recaptured the state capital, Bor on Monday from the army (SPLA).

Mutineers, led by Machar say they remain in control of Bor, days after government accepted a ceasefire brokered by regional leader from the East African countries.The ex-vice president, initially denied involvement in an alleged coup, but now commands the rebels.

(ST)