The Murle former militia leader General David Yauyau dismissed on Monday rumors that he had been assassinated in Juba, amid tensions in his home area.

Yauyau has recently given up his forces to integrate himself into the government under the leadership of Salva Kiir. He was removed in December from his position as chief administrator of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.

“I am well. Nothing has happened to me,” Yauyau said in an interview on Monday.

He called on the people in Pibor area to remain calm.

Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny also said Yauyau and himself addressed a meeting on Monday at the presidential palace to clarify on allegations that he has been killed.

“General Yauyau is well and alive. All the allegations about his death are untrue and mere propaganda by anti-peace elements. But the truth of the matter is there is nothing like that,” he said.

Ateny said Yauyau was at the presidency to assure the public and to speak to the nation that he was alive and was still loyal to the government and the president.