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December 16, 2013 (JUBA) – At least 10 South Sudanese officials, mainly ex-ministers, have been arrested in connection with what government says was a failed “coup attempt” in the capital, Juba.

South Sudan president Salva Kiir sits in his office in Juba December 16, 2013 (Reuters/Hakim George)

Those arrested, the government website reported, include former ministers Oyay Deng Ajak, Gier Chuang Aluong, Majak D’ Agot, John Luk Jok, Cirino Hiteng, Kosti Manibe, Deng Alor and Madut Biar.

Also detained, the government spokesperson said, are former Lakes state governor, Chol Tong Mayay and ex-ambassador Ezekiel Lul.

“Those who are still at large will be apprehended. According to our sources, some of them have moved out of Juba town towards the Terekeka areas, north of the capital Juba, probably with the intention of moving towards the base of Dr. Riek [Machar]”, Michael Makuei told a media briefing.

“Whether they will reach there is a situation that we will wait to see”.

He said five of those wanted, including Machar, remain at large. Others are former ministers, Alfred Ladu Gore, Pagan Amum, Adwok Nyaba and the ex-Unity state governor, Taban Deng Gai.

Meanwhile, the government urged the public to desist from statements that seem to imply the violent incident in and around the capital was a tribal matter.
(ST)