Central Equatoria Governor returns from Germany dispelling rumours of his death

August 30, 2012 (JUBA) – Clement Wani Konga, the Governor of South Sudan’s Central Equatoria state on Wednesday returned from Germany, putting an end to rumours alleging he died while receiving medical care in Berlin.

Konga has been rarely seen in the public since the beginning of the year and has been out of the country for more than two months, leading to the spread of rumors that he was dead.

No official statements have ever been made about his health status although he has been shuttling between Juba and various foreign hospitals seeking medical care for over a year.

Konga made no press statement upon arrival at Juba International on Wednesday though he was seen greeting ministers from his Central Equatoria State administration, who showed up at the airport to receive him. His deputy, Manseh Lomele, was among those who showed up at Juba International Airport to receive him on arrival but also made no statement to the media.

However, Francis Barson Yousa, Central Equatoria State minister of information dismissed reports alleging that the governor had died. “As you have seen him yesterday, the governor is extremely in good health. He is in good shape. He will soon resume his duties. Those rumours that he died were nonsense. They were just bad wishes by enemies of peace”, Yousa told Sudan Tribune on Thursday.

The minister said the return of the governor brings “a huge sigh of relief amongst us all.”

“The people of Central Equatoria State and the general public is pleased to learn that the governor has safely returned home and will soon resume duties,” he adds.

Konga’s return comes after the death of the Deputy Commander in Chief of South Sudan’s Army, Paulino Matip Nhial, on 22 August in Nairobi, Kenya. Matip was buried in his home county of Mayom in Unity State on 24 August.

(ST)