South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has ordered a widespread reshuffle of government officials, replacing senior figures in the national agriculture ministry and the state governments of Warrap and Unity.
The changes were announced in a series of presidential decrees broadcast on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Friday evening.
At the national level, Dr John Ogoto Kanisio was removed as Undersecretary for Agriculture and Food Security and replaced by Dr Michael Roberto Kenyi. Professor Mathiew Gordon Udo was relieved as Undersecretary for Cooperatives and Rural Development, with Anthony Majak Akuoch Malek appointed in his place.
In a separate move, the former undersecretary, Prof Udo, was then appointed as a Technical Advisor, replacing Bortel Mori Nyombe.
In Warrap State, the reshuffle affected several key posts. Mayiik Agoth Mayoth was replaced as Advisor on Peace and Security by John Mayik Bath Geng. Dr Acuil Malei Aliab was succeeded as Minister for Cabinet Affairs by Sarah Savarino Philip Bazia.
The roles of Minister of Local Government and Minister of Peacebuilding also saw new appointments, with Akon Madut Tong and Diem Deng Cyerdit taking over respectively.
The decree also installed new county commissioners in Warrap. Agany Lok Agany was appointed for Tonj North County, Machuei Bith Bol Malek for Tonj East County, and William Duchak Bol Duchak for Gogrial East County.
In Unity State, President Kiir overhauled the state cabinet. George Manython Liu was appointed Minister of Roads and Bridges, Baya Ruai as Minister of Cooperative and Rural Development, Jal Puok Nhial as Minister of Health, and Monica Nyakenya Yohannes Keak Ruai as Minister of Information and Communication.
A full sweep of the state’s independent commissions saw Moses Ruai Lat Chengjuak appointed as Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission and Tut Dieng Kuol Jok as Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission.
Several other new members were appointed to the Human Rights Commission, the Employees Justice Chamber, and the Anti-Corruption Commission.
At the county level in Unity State, Jackson Mut Yengoar was appointed Commissioner for Mayom County, James Kuol Tap for Leer County, and John Matip Gatluak for Mayendit County.
Finally, the composition of the Unity State Parliament was significantly altered. Mary Yuar Lual was appointed as the new Deputy Speaker, replacing John Makwile Riak. A new cohort of legislators was also appointed, including Kuol Kuany Changtang, Taker Reik, Marko Juong Majok Gatluak, and Mary Nyethien Riak.
No official reason was given for the widespread reshuffle, which is a common exercise of executive power in South Sudan.