In South Sudan, heavy fire was exchanged on November 21 around the residence of the former intelligence chief, General Akol Koor Kuc. Since then, rumors have spread in Juba in a climate of great concern over the specter of civil war and President Salva Kiir had to speak this Thursday, November 28 to try to calm things down.
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With our correspondent in Juba, Florence Miettaux
“ Impending coup “, ” unrest at army headquarters “. Speculation has been rife in Juba since the clashes around the residence of the former ” chief spy ” of South Sudan.
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From November 21, the authorities endeavored to minimize the seriousness and scope of the facts, not speaking of an attempt to arrest the general, but rather of a ” misunderstanding » during his transfer to another residence, a transfer which would have been carried out the next day without clashes.
Salva Kiir wants to reassure
In his message of Thursday, November 28, the president Salva Kiir wanted to be reassuring: “ Those who profit from war and instability are behind these rumors. They have no interest in peace. They are disappointed that our country is at peace since we signed the 2018 peace agreement. They are spreading rumors to spread fear and uncertainty in the minds of citizens. As your president, I am here to assure you that our country is safe “.
Salva Kiir reiterated his promise not to plunge South Sudan back into war, and called on citizens to “ build our beautiful country » while remaining vigilant: “ Learn to challenge these rumors, never take them seriously, because they are lies “.
A message widely relayed on the internet, even if questions remain about the exact circumstances of the incident of November 21, during which four people were killed.
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