A Social Media Post Sparks Political Controversy
Juba has been drawn into an unusual dispute after a social media post alleged misconduct involving a senior diplomat and the First Lady. The matter has circulated widely online, prompting an official response from the office of Ambassador Monica Achol Aguek.
Envoy’s Office Rejects Allegations as Defamatory
Ambassador Monica Achol Aguek, South Sudan’s presidential envoy to the Middle East and Gulf States, has threatened legal action against a Facebook user. Her office described the accusations as false and defamatory, and framed the issue as a potential case of reputational harm.
In a weekend statement, the envoy’s office said an article shared on social media by Facebook user William Deng Dut Koor was “false, misleading, and unsubstantiated.” The statement also accused the author of unethical and unprofessional conduct.
Calls for Retraction and Formal Apology
According to the statement, the envoy’s office urged the public to disregard the claims. It also called on William Deng Dut Koor to retract the publication and to issue a formal apology.
The office warned that if no retraction and apology are made, legal action could follow. It said the publication may amount to defamation against a senior government official, a claim it presented as serious in both legal and civic terms.
What the Deleted Post Alleged
The controversy traces back to a Facebook post by William Deng Dut Koor, which has since been deleted. The post alleged that Ambassador Achol engaged in witchcraft practices in Tanzania with the intention of harming First Lady Ayen Mayardit and disrupting her relationship with President Salva Kiir.
The deleted post also claimed money was paid to traditional spiritual practitioners to carry out the alleged act. The statement from the envoy’s office said these claims were presented without evidence and should not be treated as credible.
Unverified Claims and Official Silence Beyond the Statement
Beyond the witchcraft allegation, the deleted post reportedly included personal attacks and unverified assertions about the envoy’s influence in government and alleged recruitment of allies into public positions. The envoy’s office positioned these claims as part of a wider pattern of unfounded accusations.
No independent verification of the allegations has been made available, and authorities have not commented beyond the envoy’s statement. The First Lady’s office has not issued a public response regarding the allegations, leaving the envoy’s statement as the only official account so far.