Sep 27, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — The leader of the divided South Sudan United Front/Army, General Malong Awan has suspended his former Secretary General, Dr. Emmanuel Sunday de John, who also claimed to have suspended Gen. Malong yesterday.
Unlike Dr. Sunday de John, who claimed to have convinced a three day National Executive Committee meeting to consult with the rest of the leadership, Malong used his veto powers to suspend Sunday.
“By the Authority vested in me as Chairman and C-IN-C, South Sudan United Front/ Army, by the first sitting of the leadership and Command Council, I Gen. Paul Malong Awan, do hereby order the dismissal of the above mentioned member,” Malong wrote in his latest decree.
General Malong listed two main reasons for suspension of Sunday, one being “passing on of sensitive files and information to Juba agents” and two, “the insubordination and indiscipline towards my person, senior and junior members of SSUF/A.”
Although Malong did not give a chance for a dialogue, according to Sunday’s response letter, this suspension “will take effect immediately from the date of signing”, September 26, 2020.
The group is so tiny that they never gather pulled more than ten people for a group photos; however, their latest scandal is trending in South Sudan capital, Juba.
Malong was a chief of staff until he was fired by president Kiir in May 2017. Following his firing, Malong responded by defection, however, he was intercepted in Lake States and forced to return to Juba where he spent months under house arrest until he was released to Kenya on medical grounds.
For the last few years, Malong has been trying to build a rebell movement and consolidate some powers that he could to wheel himself back into power but nothing came easy so far.
Back in Juba, President Kiir has built a strong ally with Malong’s bitter rivals such as Gen. Dau Atorjong and others to weaken and intimidate King Paul.
Slowly Malong’s what used to be a strong influence in Aweil has scrambled and this internal chaos within his new party could make things even worse.
Last week Malong suspended Sunday from the position of spokesman and replaced him with Nyamach Nyang Chuol allegedly for leaking confidential documents to security agents of president Salva Kiir in Juba.
Malong has suspended Sunday and Sunday has also suspended Malong as they parted ways as Chairmen and Commander-in-Chiefs of the divided SSUF/A
