South Sudan’s ousted army chief Gen. Paul Malong Awan has insisted on going to his home state, saying there are family matters that need his presence there.

Malong left Juba in a convoy for Aweil state shortly after his dismissal was announced on 9 May without handing over the office to his successor, causing fear among many people in the country. Malong’s trip to Aweil was halted in Yirol town by government officials.

"I have spoken to the president and to the leadership about my desire to go home and they accepted, but they have not said when I should go,” said Malong in a state to Radio Tamazuj yesterday.

"I want to go home because there are family and social matters that require me to be at home", he said.

However, Malong did not give details about the nature of the family issues that need his travel to Aweil. The former top military official pointed out that he has now become a normal citizen and that he should be allowed to go home for private matters.

Last week, President Kiir reconciled with former army chief Paul Malong.