South Sudan’s former ambassador to the United State of America, Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, who stands accused of treason, has defended himself as not guilty of any charges leveled against him. He says during the outbreak of violence in December he did not oppose the government but rather sought protection from it.

Gatkuoth is among four suspects accused of plotting a coup last December, and the last of the four to testify at the special court that sits at the High Court premises in Juba near the Teaching Hospital.

“I was seeking protection at Buluk police station because the situation was tense on 15, 16 December, and I ended up been arrested until today,” said Gatkuoth speaking on Wednesday during his testimony.

Ezekiel noted that he was told to leave Nimule hotel and go to the house of Gier Chuang for his safety, but later he was also told that the police came and evacuated his former colleagues from the house of Gier to Buluk police station.

Eventually the politicians were moved to the headquarters of the National Security Service.

He explained that he told the investigators during the investigation that there was no coup attempt, and citing that what happened is the SPLM party was a problem of leadership and the issue of reforms within party. He added the issue of the SPLM party has made his name to appear for no reason in the court. 

He added that there is no reason for the government to accuse him of treason because there is no evidence against him.

The court has adjourned and scheduled for a ruling on 30 April.

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