South Sudan Head of State Salva Kiir Miyardit has denied reports and rumours making rounds that former army chief of staff Paul Malong Awan is in jail.

Gen Malong was sacked in May 2017 before he complained that his life was in danger. He would later be replaced by Gen. James Ajongo Mawu.

President Kiir, through his adviser on military affairs told Sudanese news site Sudan Tribune he has not arrested the general who played a pivotal role in the conflict which erupted in 2013.

“There have been reports and people calling me to inquire whether Paul Malong has been arrested and my answers were no, I am not aware. When these calls persisted, I decided to ask the President and he told me no, he had not ordered any arrest for Malong,” Daniel Awet Akot reportedly told Sudan Tribune on Saturday.

“The President also told me he did not receive any report about his health. If he was sick, the President would have been informed. There are people with him,” he added.

Enter Malong’s wife

While Akot denies the arrest of Awan, Lucy Ayak, wife of Gen. Paul Malong Awan Anei, former Chief of SPLA General Staff, called President Salva Kiir to allow him (Malong) to travel out of the country for a medical attention, saying she was concerned with the health of her husband.

“The last time I spoke to you Mr President, you promised me that my husband would not be harmed, and I took you at your word because I believed that you are a man that stands by your words Mr President. But I should bring to your attention the fact that my husband is not currently in good health, as I am also sure that you well know. He has been having routine checkups and treatment both in Juba and Nairobi over the time he has been working under your command,” wrote Ayak.

She said the condition under which her husband was being held and the tension surrounding the house was becoming a cause of concern to the family. She further underscored that he has no access to his doctors or any other medical personnel.

“I, therefore, appeal to your usual humanity and sense of correctness your Excellency, please allow my husband to seek the medical help he urgently needs because it is the right thing to do to him and the family at the moment,” she called.

Additional Report/SUDAN TRIBUNE