The former Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment for Central Equatoria State, Salah Rajab Bunduki, officially handed over the office to his successor, Janet Aya Alex, following a meeting in Juba on Wednesday.
The handover included a detailed briefing on the ministry’s responsibilities, covering government funding obligations, service delivery priorities, existing challenges, and proposed mitigation measures.
Bunduki congratulated Alex on her appointment, describing it as a reflection of the trust placed in her by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and assured her of his continued support during the transition.
Alex, the new minister, thanked her predecessor for his goodwill and pledged to continue efforts to implement the governor’s policy agenda.
The handover ceremony was attended by the ministry’s First Director General, Wani Richard Ibrahim, and the Director General for Budget and Planning, John Kepo, who both thanked Bunduki for his service and pledged their support to Hon. Alex.
The handover follows a recent government reshuffle by President Kiir. Under the 2018 peace agreement, Kiir has the power to appoint and remove officials at both national and state levels.
In a separate letter of appreciation to President Kiir, Bunduki expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Central Equatoria State. “I write to express my profound and heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity you accorded me to serve our people in the Revitalized Transitional Government of Central Equatoria State as Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment for over one year,” the letter read.
He highlighted progress in strengthening the financial sector under the President’s leadership and acknowledged his service under former Governors Augustine Jadalla Kamilo Wani and Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, as well as the current Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony.
He also thanked the President for appointing him as Chairperson of the Central Equatoria State Relief and Rehabilitation Commission.
Bunduki expressed confidence in his successor, stating: “I express my full confidence in her ability to build on the progress made and further advance the economic development of Central Equatoria State.”