Unity state denies claims of its advisor’s defection

February 3, 2015 (KAMPALA) – The office of the governor in South Sudan’s Unity state has refuted media reports alleging its technical advisor, Tungwar Gatluak has defected to the armed opposition group led by former vice-president, Riek Machar.

“Unity state would like to make it categorically clear that the rebels claim that Hon. Tungwar joins them is a propaganda aimed at blackmailing the advisor,” reads a statement issued Tuesday by its press secretary, Benson Mayen.

According to the government, Tungwar is on a visit to the Sudanese capital, Khartoum “under permission from the state to see his family”.

“He [Tungwar] will come back to the state and resume his duties once the period of his permission expire,” it stressed.

Meanwhile, the governor of Unity state Joseph Monytuil warned people to desist from what he described as “propaganda” by rebels to create confusion among the people.

The move, he emphasised, was meant to tarnish the image of his government.

“This unfortunate scenario must be rejected by our people as we all want to see peace returns to our country so that our people begin the difficult journey of rebuilding their lives,” Monytuil said in a release.

(ST)