South Sudan Governer of Upper Nile State was relieved of his duties last Sunday

Note that news reports at the website of Sudan Radio Service (SRS) are currently unavailable due to technical problems. Here is a copy of an untitled report, received by email, from SRS, Thursday, November 19, 2009:

(Khartoum) - The former governor of Upper Nile state, Dak Duop Bichok, has described retired Brigadier, Galuak Deng Garang’s refusal to relinquish power in Malakal as an act of rebellion.

Galuak Deng was relieved of his duties as Governor of Upper Nile state last Sunday following a decree issued by President al-Bashir.

The President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, announced the decree in Juba on Sunday.

Dr. William Othwonh, who was appointed as the new governor, took the oath of office on Tuesday in Khartoum.

Speaking to Sudan Radio Service in Khartoum on Wednesday, Bichok said Galuak’s refusal to relinquish power is a clear indication that he is not loyal to the National Congress Party.

[Dak Duop Bichok]: “This is a rebellious act by retired Brigadier Galuak Deng against the system. He has rebelled against a decree issued by the President and we condemn this act in the strongest possible terms and we are saying Galuak is not a NCP member anymore because NCP members know how institutions work; now he is a rebel. The party has a right to appoint someone to replace him.”

Bichok said that President al-Bashir relieved Galuak of his duties because his term as governor had come to an end. He urged Galuak to follow his example - Bichok handed over power to Galuak after just eight months in office.

Galuak has said he is determined to remain in office despite the presidential decree.

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