South Sudan chief security receives ex-rebel spokesperson

February 1, 2022 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s national security service chief, Gen Akol Koor Kuc on Tuesday received the former spokesperson of South Sudan United Front (SSUF), a rebel group led by former army chief of staff, Gen Paul Malong.

The meeting came a week after Deng Chapath defected from SSUF, amid allegations that the rebel movement lacked clear sense of directions and vision.

It remains unclear what the security chief discussed with the former rebel official.

Chapath became the fifth senior official to abandon Malong’s rebel movement, with analyst attributing the defections to the harsh economic situations in SSUF.

Other political observers, however, argued that government decided to win back favour from Malong’s close associates with a view that it would initiate dialogue.

Meanwhile, Malong appointed Garang Malual Deng Yak as the new Secretary of Information and Communication Technology and the spokesperson of SSUF/A.

(ST)