Aweil community elders are seeking audience with President Salva Kiir and family members of the former army General Paul Malong Awan over the latter’s health condition in Juba, a traditional leader said.

This comes after the wife of the former head of army said her husband has been under house arrest in the capital for months on the direct orders of President Kiir.

Deng Macham Angui, the president of the traditional leaders, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that they have been making efforts to inform the national security of Malong’s deteriorating health.

“Actually we are making every effort to ensure there is harmony and tolerance, whether on the part of the family of General Paul Malong or anybody with legitimate concerns.  We have been talking to the family to allow us speak to the authorities concerned with trust and in a way that would not undermine peace and stability of the country. President Salva Kiir is a humble and caring person,” Macham said.   

The traditional leader, who hails from Aweil, explained that the move was prompted by fears of Malong’s deteriorating health while in detention and more especially after his wife Lucy Ayak has accused the government of denying her husband the right to leave Juba.

Paul Malong left Juba shortly after being removed by Kiir in May but returned saying he had been asked by the authorities and insisted that he had no any intention of rebelling.

Malong, long regarded as a staunch supporter of President Kiir, was replaced by General James Ajongo Mawut. Foreign diplomats repeatedly accused Malong of undermining the 2015 peace accord.