Exiled Nuers oppose appointment of S. Sudan’s new envoy to Ethiopia

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

March 2, 2016 (ADDIS ABABA) – The Nuer youth union in Ethiopia have asked South Sudan’s government to revoke James Morgan’s appointment as it’s envoy to Ethiopia.

In a statement issued Tuesday, members of the union claimed Morgan, also nominated to the African Union, is allegedly linked to Ethiopia Patrotic Front, a rebel group.

Morgan was a South Sudan’s deputy ambassador to the Kenya for the last three years.

“While he was working in Kenya, Mr. Morgan was recruited by the Ethiopian rebel leader, Thowath Pal Chay, to be an Agent of the Ethiopia Patriotic Front to spy on Ethiopian citizens and government”, the statement read.

Members of the youth union said Morgan’s appointment will ultimately affect the cordial relationship between Ethiopian and South Sudan and called for revocation of the decree.

The Nuer youth union also urged the Ethiopian government to reject Morgan, claiming he would be working as spy for Ethiopia’s rebel group using his diplomat position as pretext.

Thowat Pal Chay, the leader of the Ethiopian Patriotic Front, was a former chief administrator of Gambela region and head of security within an intelligence unit.

(ST)