Juba, South Sudan
June 27,2021 — A memo from the press unit of the First Vice President confirms that the Director for Information and Public Relations of the SPLM/A-IO will temporarily be filling in for Mr. James Gatdet Dak who has been away on an extended leave.
Mr. James Gatdet published the memo today to alert media fraternity which has tried to reach out to him several times within the last few days over the appointment of Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual that is making waves on social media.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, Dak said he left the office temporarily and while he is away his colleague, Mr. Puok Both Baluang, shall continue to serve on his behalf.
“As I am on a temporary leave from my office as the Press Secretary in the Office of the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, H. E. Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, my colleague, Cde Puok Both Baluang, shall continue to act on my behalf”, Dak stated on his Facebook.
He directed all journalists and Media to Baluang for any media related concerns.
“Media outlets should be directing any inquiries to him, this information is for all”, he added.
Gatdet has served Machar for over 20 years, since 1997, in the same portfolio; however, he has been away from his office since November 2020.
While he was away in Europe, Gatdet tried to continue helping the press team; however, his support dwindles over time.
Although he is currently in Addis Ababa, it remains unclear for how he will continue to be on vacation for.
