South Sudan’s capital tense as troops surround Malong’s home
JUBA, South Sudan — Tensions were high in South Sudan’s capital on Saturday after President Salva Kiir sent troops to surround the home of former military chief of staff Paul Malong, disarm his bodyguards and remove all weapons.
A copy of the order obtained by The Associated Press says any resistance by Malong “should be met with reasonable force.”
Malong’s wife, Lucy Ayak Malek, told the AP that bodyguards refused to hand over arms and the situation had worsened, with hundreds of soldiers deployed. “I think things will escalate if the president doesn’t act quickly,” she said by telephone.
The United Nations issued an emergency notification advising staff in the capital, Juba, to remain vigilant.