South Sudan President Averts Plane Crash

South Sudan President Salva Kiir on Wednesday averted a plane crash after the plane he was traveling in developed a mechanical problem minutes before take-off.

The 9.30 am incident which occurred just as the plane was lifting off the ground delayed the President for about seven hours. This was after his pilot detected a technical problem with the wheels and the hydraulic system of the plane.

Mr. Kiir was on his way from Uganda where he had been engaged in bilateral talks with Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni

Also accompanying Mr Kiir were: Major General Gier Dwang Aluong, Minister of Internal Affairs and Lt Gen Clement Wani Konga, the Governor of Central Equatorial State in Southern Sudan.

Police reports indicate that no one was injured in this incident.

This incident brings back bitter memories of the death of Colonel John Garang, the South Sudan leader who was killed after his helicopter crashed in the Imatong Hills in 2005.

Col Garang had been in Uganda for talks with President Museveni at his Rwakitura home. Investigators found no evidence of foul play in the case.[CK]