Deng Deng Akuei, governor of the proposed Aweil East State, has described as unfounded and baseless reports alleging that he has fallen out with Paul Malong Awan, chief of general staff of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), the official of army of South Sudan.

Deng said Wednesday that the allegations of political differences between Malong and himself were a creation of people wanting to drive a wedge between him and Malong, so as to advance their own interest at the expense of what he called “existing cordial relationship between us.”

“General Paul Malong and I have one common agenda and that is to provide services to our people and unite them, regardless of whatever challenges facing our people and the government. I believe people who are more united and cooperating can do bigger things because of their oneness and spirit of complementary, respect, empathetic and caring of one another,” Deng explained.

But a close aide of Paul Malong said in a separate interview on Tuesday that Malong has been disappointed by the way governor Deng was running the affairs of the area, including attempts to impose one of his relatives as the head of chamber of commerce in the area, despite facing widespread opposition.

“Indeed, there are issues which the governor needs to address and I think it would be fine if he addresses them urgently,” said Manut Yel Lual, a relative of Malong and a former tax collector whom Governor Deng removed from his position in April.

Manut claimed General Paul Malong has been receiving complaints against the governor from different people of the area about the way he was running the affairs of the area.  

“General Paul Malong does not sleep these days not just because of his responsibilities and duties as the chief of general staff of the SPLA but because people from the area are not giving the opportunity to rest. They look to him as the only person who can address they are facing at home,” said Manut.

“The traders now have declared they will not cooperate with their chairman of chamber of commerce. What does this mean? It means there is not going to be harmony in commercial activities and if there is no cooperation then the citizens will have difficulties getting essential services, especially basic commodities which are very important in their day to day life,” added the former taxman.

File photo/Gurtong: Deng Deng Akuei