The South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it was aware of an incident in which the country’s Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Santino Fardo W. Dicken, sustained injuries following an assault allegedly by Deputy Head of Mission, Angong Dhol Acuil, at the South Sudan Embassy in Washington D.C. on Monday, November 25.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, the Ministry’s spokesperson, Ambassador Apuk Ayuel Mayen said that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation but emphasized that no official statement has been released so far.
“The ministry is aware of the incident and will take appropriate action in accordance with the circumstances. This is being handled as an internal matter,” Ambassador Mayen said.
The assault, which occurred after Ambassador Angong returned to duty following a 70-day absence, reportedly escalated from a dispute over a Note Verbal that Ambassador Angong had issued and stamped without Ambassador Dicken’s knowledge or consent.
According to Ambassador Dicken, the confrontation led to physical aggression, with Ambassador Angong hurling documents at him, using offensive language, and striking him with her phone, resulting in visible injuries. The altercation continued to escalate, with further objects being thrown, and additional staff members being injured, including Mr. Kuac Ken, a driver at the embassy.
In a letter dated November 25th to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dicken urged the ministry to intervene swiftly, citing concerns for the safety of embassy staff and the need for immediate corrective measures. He described the situation as creating a hostile and unsafe environment, calling for prompt action to ensure the well-being and functionality of the embassy.
Despite the police being called to the scene, Ambassador Dicken requested they delay their investigation until the ministry could address the matter, stressing that the situation should remain confidential for now. “I told the police that my Headquarters would handle the situation and requested they keep everything confidential,” he stated.
This is not the first instance of such behavior involving Ambassador Angong. In July 2019, she was reported to have displayed “unprofessional conduct” by making offensive gestures toward a colleague during an official event at the embassy.
Following that incident, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had ordered her recall to Juba in June 2022. However, it remains unclear whether the previous disciplinary action addressed the underlying issues at the embassy.
Deputy Head of Mission Angong Dhol Acuil could not be immediately be reached for comment.
Ambassador Angong is the daughter of the National Minister of Education and Instruction, Awut Deng Achuil.