S. Sudan presidential adviser admits destroying government
March 16, 2021 (JUBA) – A senior South Sudanese official has admitted destroying the government, citing the failure to deliver services promised to citizens during the country’s secession from Sudan in July 2011.
“We have destroyed the government ourselves. When we fought the government of Sudan for 22 years, it was for us to become an independent country so that we can do what the government of Sudan was unable to do for us”, Kuol Manyang Juuk, a senior presidential adviser, said.
He was speaking at a swearing-in ceremony of new officials appointed through presidential decrees to serve in Jonglei state in various capacities.
A leading member of the ruling party (SPLM), Juuk previously served as minister for transport, Jonglei state governor and minister for defence.
“We killed ourselves. We hate ourselves and this is the challenge we have now made. I am not going to congratulate you until you prosper in providing services to the people you are serving”, he stressed.
The presidential aide’s remarks sparked debates on social media, with government and opposition officials questioning motives behind it.
“This is just a political gimmick”, a political commentator commented.
He added, “Remember he was a minister twice and served as a governor and governor adviser. What did he do to change what he is protesting today and refusal to congratulate new officials, asked an opposition legislator? If they have failed why not get out of the way and allow others to go and try”.
(ST)