Kiir rejects James Kok Ruea’s request for ministerial position

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reportedly rejected a request by James Kok Ruea, former minister of humanitarian affairs and disaster management, and ex-senior member of the SPLM-IO, to allocate a ministerial position to the people of Fangak County, sources with direct knowledge said.

James Kok defected from South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny last month accusing Machar of negligence in the Greater Fangak area, and then joined President Kiir’s SPLM-IG.

Speaking to Sudans Post this morning, a senior member of the group who defected along with James Kok Ruea said he will make an announcement in the coming days to return to the SPLM-IO under Machar saying Kiir has rejected a request to have us given a ministry in the national government.

“What he suggested is that Honorable James Kok Ruea be appointed as a minister in Jonglei state, which we rejected and he told James Kok that ‘you can’t be trusted’ and this is worrying to us because when we joined the SPLM-IO, we know why we were joining and we did our part,” the official who requested not to be named told Sudans Post from Juba.

“So, for me, this is a betrayal by President Salva Kiir Mayardit because we have been insulted on social media and after all, this is how he return the debt of support. So, I am also deciding to return to the SPLM-IO because Kiir is not serious and if James Kok Ruea is to remain, I am not staying,” the official added.