Jan 11, 2018(Nyamilepedia) —– A group of Jieng Council of Elders are seeking Salva Kiir’s blessings to go after an exiled son, Paul Malong Awan, who was sent to exile in Kenya last month by Salva Kiir Mayardit and members of his administration.
Malong, a prominent figure in Bhar el Ghazal politics, has served as a governor of Northern Bhar el Ghazal and also as the Chief of General Staff of the SPLA under president Salva Kiir; however, the fall-out between Malong and Kiir has gained special interest in the Dinka Community and it is being mediated exclusively by members of the Dinka tribe.
The committee, which is currently seeking Salva Kiir’s blessings, is made up of 9 members who are all from the Dinka tribe. Their names are as follow:
| 1 | Dr. Francis Mading Deng | Head of Delegation |
| 2 | Gen. Marial Chunong/Gen. Deng Wol | Deputy |
| 3 | Gen. Ping Deng Kuol | Member |
| 4 | Athian Mawondit | Member |
| 5 | Bishop Asaiah Majok Dau | Member |
| 6 | Akot Lual Arech | Member |
| 7 | Maker Thiong Maal | Member |
| 8 | Dut Aleu | Member |
| 9 | Joshua Dau Diu | Member |
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“It is an honor to present to you the following list of the committee that will leave as soon as possible to consult with Malong and come back with accurate information; therefore, we would like your approval and blessing before the committee departs” reads part of the letter to president Kiir.
Although this initiative is at the community level, it is not clear whether the initial processes and this mission to East Africa is being funded by Salva Kiir’s government or by the Dinka community and individuals.
President Salva Kiir made blunt comments against his ex-chief of staff, Paul Malong, including exposing his dire health status and declaring him a rebel, however, it remains to be confirmed if Gen. Malong will meet and trust this committee one more time.
The same committee negotiated Malong’s release from house arrest in Juba last month and made assurances that the underlying problems were solved and President Kiir would keep his words and protect Malong but the latest turn of events has violated the December Kiir-Malong agreement in Juba.
The two parties, Kiir and Malong, are geared into another deadlock.
While President Kiir has charged Gen. Malong guilty of treason and he is calling on him to return to Juba to prove himself innocent, Malong is on the other hand threatening to rebel in response to what he calls “constant provocations” and security threats to himself and his family.
“I would wish to make it clear to south Sudanese that the tape is fake and a clear imitation of my voice. In light of this constant provocations, I would be forced to make a decision because there is a threat to my life and that of my family.” Malong states in his first response to deny his wiretapped voice recording.
“They have finally succeeded in doing just that. The unauthentic leaked audio is hoped to be the last straw that breaks the camel’s back. Instead of bringing back peace, the government is busy creating more frontlines. If these provocations continue unabated, then I would respond with appropriate and proportional force, and the blame would be on the government.” Gen. Malong continued in another response letter to “provocations”.
