A top South Sudanese diplomat said the country’s former army chief, Gen. Paul Malong Awan, must seek an amnesty offer from President Kiir after an audio recording which allegedly revealed that he was planning to carry out subversive activities against the government.
Last week, South Sudan government accused the former military chief of ordering attacks against government positions after audio tapes leaked on social media, alleging that Malong instructed his supporters to attack the capital Juba and other towns.
“Malong needs to be offered amnesty by the president after what he has done against the government,” said Ambassador Gordon Buay, a senior official at the South Sudanese embassy in Washington, DC.
Buay insisted that the leaked tape of Paul Malong is true, pointed out that a team of Aweil elders is trying to persuade Malong not to rebel against the government. The diplomat said the government is ready to talk with General Pual Malong if he returns to the capital Juba.
Malong, a former ally of President Kiir, was removed in May last year and placed under house arrest for fear that he will launch rebellion. Kiir released him in November 2017 to go for treatment in Nairobi following mediation by community elders.