South Sudan President Salva Kiir fires his Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny

Ateny Wek Ateny (VOA/AFP)

South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardiit has fired his press secretary just a day after sacked his Finance minister and Central Bank governor.

Through a presidential decree aired on State-Run Television Friday evening, President Kiir sacked Ateny Wek Ateny who served in his office for the last nine years.

Kiir, however, did not disclose the reason behind Mr Ateny’s sacking apart from citing his constitutional powers that permits him to appoint and dismiss public servants.

With Mr Ateny’s position left vacant for now, many South Sudanese have started lobbying to be appointed as the president's press secretary. 

Mr Ateny, known for his controversial statements defending the president, was appointed in 2013. He is a lawyer and a former practising journalist who had criticised Mr Kiir’s government before his appointment to the position.

About his sacking, Mr Ateny said, “I heard about my removal on television. I was not told the reason I was fired. I am very grateful to the President for giving me an opportunity to serve the country.”