South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir said he was tired of the numerous and never-ending reports about Paul Malong, pointing out that his decision to have him removed was to avoid ‘scapegoat for inefficiencies’.
“I was tired of receiving reports about Malong almost every hour of people telling me things I knew he was not doing. This was becoming a routine talk and it was like I was not listening to them, so I decided to make changes which I informed Malong about, so he should not be surprised when the time comes,” President Kiir told members of the Dinka council of elders who paid him a courtesy call.
The President went on to tell the elders that his reasons for the change were to see what those who had been making the reports and claims would do next.
“I made the changes because I wanted to see what the people coming with reports about him will have to say again. I did this because I don’t want him to be a scapegoat for the inefficiencies of those who used to come to me,” added the President.
According to a prominent figure who attended the meeting, President Kiir called Malong to assure him of safety, protection and to contribute to playing a positive role in finding a lasting solution towards the realisation of peace and stability in the country.
“I know Malong and he knows me and this was why I was hesitant after receiving numerous reports about him, so I let him return. He will come and stay in his house under the protection of his own guards, people he wants to provide him protection. If that will not be sufficient, I will personally ensure his safety, even if it means him staying with me. So I have spoken to him and he has agreed to come,” said the President.
Earlier, speaking from Yirol town, Eastern Lakes State, Malong said he had no intention to foment a rebellion against President Kiir.
He further said he wanted to rest in his home region, Bahr El Ghazal.
“If I want to have a problem, that problem should be in Juba. I cannot leave Juba and go and do it somewhere because Juba is where I was working,” said Malong in an interview with Radio Miraya in Rumbek.
