Africa

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June 22, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan's ambassador to Nigeria, Riek Puok has dismissed as “fake” reports that he was arrested at Cairo airport after he was allegedly found in possession of huge money.

South Sudan's foreign affairs spokesperson, Mawien Makol (Photo: Citizen News)

Puok, in a statement, said information circulating that he carried $40,000 while enroute to Juba from Nigeria has completely surprised him.

“I wish I could have the amount ($40,000). It would make my leave even more enjoyable. The news is wrong. The figure reported is not right. The main point is that I am fine and traveled safely to my final destination with all my belongings and luggage,” he said Thursday.

The ambassador said the report was “inconsistent” to actual facts.

“I was not caught but was almost robbed and the robbery went wrong. I am on a personal leave. The money I have is total mine and not looted ($17,000)”, he further explained on his Facebook page.

However, despite the ambassador's denial, a security source was quoted saying the South Sudanese diplomat caused a commotion at Cairo International Airport after being stopped from carrying $ 40,000, prompting security officials at Cairo airport to contact Egypt's deputy assistant foreign affairs minister for diplomatic passports, Ashraf Munir, who advised Puok to abide by the Egyptian laws.

South Sudan's foreign affairs ministry also confirmed that its ambassador to Nigeria was stopped by Egyptian officials on Sunday.

The ministry's spokesman Mawien Makol told Radio Tamazuj that they asked their ambassador in Cairo to look into the issue.

“The ambassador's [Puok] flight was cancelled because he was carrying a lot of money. You know the ambassador did not inform the South Sudanese embassy in Cairo when he was returning back to Juba,” he said.

Makol, however, said the ministry was not aware of the money in possession of its ambassador to Nigeria, stressing that the South Sudanese envoy to Nigeria was in Cairo on a private mission.

(ST)

June 22, 2017 (JUBA) – A maiden meeting for the newly formed Republican Party of South Sudan (RPSS) has pledged to lead a non-violent change process in the world's youngest nation.

The Republican Party of South Sudan leader Lewis Anei speaking to reporters (ST)

Members of the new party, at their meeting, also elected Lewis Anei Kuendit, a former governor of Warrap state, as the party's chairperson.

Kuendit, who spoke to reporters soon after his election, described South Sudan ruling party (SPLM) as a “failed” and “deformed” party.

The meeting of about 500 members also passed the party's constitution, by-laws as well as the new party's manifesto.

Kuendit, a career politician, formed RPSS in February this year.

Describing the new party as “a result of the ongoing political situation” of war in South Sudan and propagated its objectives on nonviolent, inclusivity and fighting corruption, Kuendit said the RPSS met the registration requirements set forth by South Sudans' Political Parties Council, which included the signatures of at least 4,000 supporters from at least eight of South Sudan's former 10 states.

He reiterated demands for political space in the East African country where political dissents are reportedly not tolerated.

“We are a nonviolent party that has come to make a peaceful change in the country. This country needs someone with a program to lead, fight corruption and ensure inclusive participation of all citizens through democratic elections,” he said.

Kuendit wondered why the South Sudanese ruling party now consisted of different factions who oppose its original ideology.

“How many factions of the SPLM are out there now? SPLM in government, SPLM in Opposition, SPLM former political detainees and SPLM Democratic Change,” explained the RPSS chairman.

“We cannot change the SPLM from within because there is too much stagnation and there is a ruling clique within the SPLM. We cannot salvage the SPLM, but we are salvaging the nation,” he added.

The official blamed South Sudan's president Salva Kiir, saying his
“failed” leadership created war that displaced millions of people.

“We are asking the youth, who are being killed by failed leadership that created war that this is your party,” he added.

Kuendit, a former member of the Jieng Council (JCE) of elders, downplayed the potential obstacles his party members would encounter in the course of opposing Kiirs' security apparatus.

The meeting was attended by politicians from other smaller opposition parties. The SPLM declined an invitation to attend.

(ST)