South Sudan’s National Security Service have cancelled the passports of at least seven army officers believed to have links with the country’s former army chief Paul Malong.

Among them, according to a document seen by Radio Tamazuj, are Lt. Col. Makuac Lual Tong, Lt. Col. Dut Yai Anyar, Maj. Akok Malek Akuein, 1st Lt. Lual Aken Akec, 1st Lt. Lual Akoon Wieu, Wieu Benjamin Wieu and Ajang Ajang Lino.

The cancellation of the seven passports was authorized by the Internal Security Service Director-General Akol Koor.

‘it has come to our notice that the mentioned names are reported involved in activities that are against the National Security of South Sudan,” partly reads Akol’s letter dated 6 January 2018, and addressed to the immigration office.

One of the army officers whose passport had been cancelled said: “It is true and I can confirm it. I am among the people whose passports had been cancelled, so I don’t know what will be the way forward.”

In January, the South Sudanese government declared army chief of staff General Paul Malong a rebel and accused him of planning to launch attacks on government positions.