Juba, South Sudan,
July 14, 2021 – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit is considering the removal the Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny over public misconduct putting the image of the State House in disrepute.
“Ateny Dior aka Ateny Wek Ateny, the great womanizer is going to be removed and arrested,” says an internal source who sought to remain anonymous. “I have been told that President Salva Kiir Mayardit is annoyed with him because of his reckless conduct.”
Ateny has caught public attention in recent days with a plethora of controversial actions. Two viral video clips have shown the Presidential Press Secretary publicly making controversial statements on religion to his private life.
In one of the pre-recorded clips, Ateny says he ceased to be a Christian and joined what he calls “Atenydior” where he says they do things more “uniquely” and that they communicate directly to God without a mediator.
In a separate video, Ateny could be heard telling a group of women that he finds beautiful women irresistible and always feel like “grabbing” and “taking her”.
In another incident, a photo of the Press Secretary hugging a young girl has gone viral. The actions of Mr. Ateny did not only anger the President but also sparked a public uproar.
However, the Press Secretary said it was his right to freedom of expression adding that most South Sudanese are ignorant about the rights they are entitled to. He also said the videos that re-emerged on social media platforms were posted in March.
