South Sudan diplomat denies joining rebel group

File photo: Gordon Buay

A South Sudanese ambassador has dismissed claims that he joined the armed opposition group led by the country’s rebel leader Riek Machar, urging people to disregard social media claims generated by the rebels.

A South Sudanese ambassador has dismissed claims that he joined the armed opposition group led by the country’s rebel leader Riek Machar, urging people to disregard social media claims generated by the rebels.

Gordon Buay Malek, who is the charge d‘affaires at South Sudan embassy in America, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that he was dismayed after rumour circulated he joined the rebels.

“I have not rebelled, it was a mere propaganda. I cannot comment on lies being circulated by the rebels,” Buay said.

There been reports on social media claiming that Ambassador Buay was shifting sides.

Malek, a former rebel spokesman, was appointed as an ambassador by South Sudanese president Salva Kiir in September 2014.