The United Nations issued an emergency notification advising staff in the capital of South Sudan, Juba, to remain vigilant, ABC News reported Saturday.

Tensions were high in South Sudan's capital on Saturday after South Sudan President Salva Kiir sent troops to surround the home of former military chief of staff Paul Malong, disarm his bodyguards and remove all weapons.

Malong's wife, Lucy Malek, said bodyguards refused to hand over arms and the situation had worsened, with hundreds of soldiers deployed. "I think things will escalate if the president doesn't act quickly," she said by telephone.

It was not immediately clear what led to the president's order, which also prevents any visitors to Malong's home.

Malong, who has been under house arrest, was fired in May and had been one of Kiir's closest allies. He was accused of directing last year's fighting in Juba that killed hundreds.

Source : Mena