Presidential spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny said allegations of a plan to assassinate Equatoria governors are lies fabricated by the rebels on social media.

In a press conference held Tuesday, Ateny dismissed claims that President Salva Kiir was plotting against Clement Wani Konga, Louis Lobong Lojore, and Bangasi Joseph Bakasoro, the respective governors of Central, Eastern, and Western Equatoria states.

“The allegations that the president wanted to kill Clement Konga are untrue because Konga is the best friend of the President and they were in touch on phone yesterday morning,” he said.

Ateny said the rumors were created by rebels loyal to Riek Machar and spread through a Facebook account known as ‘Nyamilepedia’ to sow division in South Sudan.

“Even the other two governors are still in good relations with the president,” he said.

Ateny urged citizens to remain calm and not panic over rumors circulating in Juba.

Ateny said debating federalism is inappropriate right now due to the ongoing political turmoil in the country.

A row has developed of late between President Kiir, who is seen as against federalism, and some Equatorian politicians in favor of the government system, which disperses responsibilities between national and local administrations.

Ateny also reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing peace to South Sudan, saying their delegation is ready to return to Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa for negotiations with the rebels.

File photo: Presidential spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny