South Sudan acknowledges resignation of top diplomat

June 4, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan on Wednesday admitted receiving an “unofficial” letter from its former ambassador to the United Nations, Francis George Nazario, confirming reports that the latter had resigned.

“I have not spoken to him [Nazario] personally, but yes, he had sent the same letter which has been circulated in the media to the department in which he works”, foreign affairs spokesperson, Mawien Makol, told Sudan Tribune.

He said the diplomat only made an official request two weeks ago, asking to visit his family in Brussels, Belgium, and that he later learnt of his resignation through social media and news websites

“This was an official request which he (Nazario) signed”, Makol said, adding that the ministry had just embarked on the process of contacting the former UN diplomat over allegations that he had resigned in the wake of the mass defection of senior government officials and members of the country’s ruling party (SPLM).

Nazario has since confirmed his resignation to Sudan Tribune and said he had left the country.

In a 2 June letter, Nazario allegedly claimed he was unable to continue associating with the current leadership and government, but pledges to remain loyal to the country and was ready to work with anyone willing to bring peace and national reconciliation.

A united, democratic and prosperous South Sudan should be built, the letter stressed.

“Under the current situation, I find it extremely difficult to continue assuming my responsibility as a nationalist, who has always vowed to support the legitimate aspirations and just cause of the valiant people of South Sudan,” it added.

Sudan Tribune could not get an immediate reaction from the ex-diplomat on the authenticity of the said resignation letter, despite several attempts.

If confirmed, however, the departure of this high level diplomat would be the first diplomatic farce for the country in its efforts to establish strong diplomatic relations with other neigbouring countries and the international community.

Nazario, who comes from South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state was one of the diplomats deployed to the country’s office at its permanent mission to UN in New York.

He was, however, recalled by the foreign affairs ministry after he voted in favor of the resolution that supported the right of self-determination of the Palestinians in 2012.

(ST)