June 8th 2019 (Nyamilepedia) – South Sudan’s former SPLA Chief of General Staff General Paul Malong Awan once told President Salva Kiir Mayardiit that he can take the presidency by force if he wish, Presidential Spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny said.
Ateny was responding to allegations by deputy mayor of Juba city, Thiik Thiik Mayardiit – who is also President Salva Kiir’s nephew – that he was one of the people creating problems for President Salva Kiir.
“Thiik knows very well how Malong tried many times to intimidate President Kiir,” Ateny said.
“Malong at some point even told President Kiir, ’I can take this Presidency’. Malong’s intention was to take the Presidency from Kiir by coup,” Ateny added.
While admitting mistakes “sometimes”, Ateny boldly denied accusations that he’s betrayed fellow Aweil sons and that members of NSS is targeting them on this basis.
“When it comes to the accusation of having betrayed Aweil’s sons because of the Malong connection. How could I do that when two of Malong’s sons are officers of Akol Koor within the National Security?” He asked.
“I am human, and mistakes can happen… I can’t deny that I have been wrong sometimes and I admitted my mistakes,” he added.
