Press Release from the Embassy of South Sudan in Washington, D.C.

South Sudan’s Ambassador to the United States, Santino Fardol, and his Deputy, Angong Dhol Acuil, Involved in a Physical Altercation in Washington, D.C.

According to a letter of complaint addressed to the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is alleged that the Deputy Ambassador, Angong Dhol Acuil, daughter of Awut Deng Acuil, the Minister of General Education and Instruction, attacked and injured the Ambassador on November 25, 2024, in his office.

The incident occurred following accusations of “gross misconduct” directed at the Deputy Ambassador by the Ambassador.

More details can be found in the attached letter below:

Signed by the Ambassador, Dr. Santino Fardol Dikin,
Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan, Washington, D.C., USA

To: The Undersecretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Juba, South Sudan

Attention: Honorable Minister
Deputy Minister

Subject: Violation of the Rights of the Head of Mission
Concerning: The Attack on the Head of Mission, a Grave Violation Against the Republic of South Sudan

Hon. Minister,

I write to you in follow-up to an incident report to inform you that on November 25, 2024, I was subjected to a violent assault, injury, and humiliation by the Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Angong Dhol Acuil, within my office. This behavior is unprecedented and unacceptable, particularly as it targeted me in my capacity as the Special Envoy of the President and the Head of Mission.

This violent attack reflects a profound failure to address the ongoing misconduct and ill intentions of Ambassador Angong, despite my numerous communications with the Ministry urging action on my recommendations and those of the previous committee. In light of these events, I respectfully seek clarification on the following points:

Why have my continuous reports regarding Ambassador Angong’s misconduct since March 2024 not been acted upon?
Why was the Head of Mission not informed of the Deputy Ambassador’s whereabouts during her 70-day absence, despite prior reports to headquarters?
How can a diplomat absent for 70 days resume duties without notifying the Head of Mission and issue unauthorized letters to foreign governments without the knowledge of the Head of Mission?
Is it permissible for a diplomat at headquarters to correspond directly with foreign governments without the knowledge or approval of their superiors, department heads, or the Undersecretary? Are unauthorized communications with foreign governments not considered an offense?
Would such conduct be tolerated at headquarters, where diplomats are expected to notify their superiors before engaging with foreign entities?
Why did neither Ambassador Angong nor Ambassador Mary Modokai (Administrative and Financial Officer) notify the Head of Mission about the unauthorized letter sent to the State Department?
I hold Ambassador Angong responsible for escalating the situation by failing to inform me upon her return and violently attacking me, symbolizing a broader assault on the authority of the Republic of South Sudan in the United States.
Ambassador Angong’s pattern of misconduct is not new, as she has previously exhibited similar behavior, including a physical altercation with Ambassador Gordon Buay and mistreatment of other Heads of Mission, diplomats, and local staff.
Following the assault, Ambassador Angong escalated the situation further by threatening local staff, who have already provided their statements to the police.

I urge the Ministry to collect written statements from the following witnesses to the incident:

Ambassador Mary Modokai
Ms. Rose Tulio, Executive Secretary to the Head of Mission
Mr. Kwak Kien, Driver
Mr. John Dut, Driver

As my life is at risk, I write this letter to reaffirm my position: I cannot and will not work with a violent, unethical, and disrespectful individual like Ambassador Angong. Immediate intervention is required to protect the reputation of the Head of State, the Republic of South Sudan, and my safety and dignity.

I hope this matter will be taken seriously before I am compelled to pursue legal action against Ambassador Angong Dhol Acuil if necessary.