August 21, 2023; In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves across South Sudan and beyond, former Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny has launched a scathing critique of the government led by President Salva Kiir Mayardit. In an exclusive interview with a local news outlet, Ateny boldly declared the government to be a "looting government" and claimed that it is teetering on the edge of collapse. This unexpected denouncement comes from a man who was once a prominent figure in the very administration he is now criticizing. 

Ateny Wek Ateny, who served as the official spokesperson for the government, minced no words as he attributed the government's failures to the leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit. He placed the blame squarely on the President's shoulders, highlighting what he referred to as the administration's obsession with holding onto power at any cost. Ateny lamented the fact that the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) views any opposition as an enemy, stifling dissent and limiting the possibility of constructive dialogue within the nation. 

"The government we see today is a result of the leadership's misplaced priorities. It has devolved into what I can only describe as a 'looting government,' where personal interests are valued more than the well-being of our citizens. The nation is standing at the precipice of collapse, and it is due to the failures of President Salva Kiir and his junta," Ateny declared. 

Ateny did not stop at criticizing the leadership's decisions and policies. He went on to highlight the lack of qualifications and educational backgrounds of some high-ranking officials. He drew attention to the fact that while the government itself is relatively new, many of its members, including the President, have been in positions of power for years. He noted that a number of these officials lack even elementary-level education or school certificates, raising questions about their ability to effectively govern a nation in dire need of stability and development. 

The ramifications of Ateny's statements are still unfolding, but they are likely to create ripples of discontent and introspection within the ruling party. As the former Press Secretary's words reverberate, citizens and observers alike are awaiting the government's response, as well as any reactions from President Salva Kiir Mayardit himself. 

While this critique from a once-trusted insider sheds light on the deep-seated issues within the South Sudanese government, it also underscores the urgency of addressing these concerns before the nation's stability and future are further compromised. 

Disclaimer: This article is based on the statements made by Ateny Wek Ateny in the interview and does not reflect the views of this publication. 

SSLN