An open letter to Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit
Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs
Dear Sister Adut Salva,
In June 2025, I wrote you an open letter encouraging you to support President Salva Kiir Mayardit in safeguarding his legacy and to continue being a voice for the people, even when you are not an MP and are outside the government.
My appeal was rooted in the admirable work of your foundation (ASK), the calm strength of your character, and the valuable experience you have gained along the difficult journey of our country’s struggle. You are not clueless; you have faced hardships just like many of us who, alongside our parents and comrades, traversed the dense forests of our homeland, pursued by enemies and stepping on dangers as we joined the liberation movement at a young age. The story of Jesh-Amer is lengthy and complex. You also understand suffering as a child of South Sudan and as a mother.
With this responsibility, you now represent us not only as the first daughter but also in your role as a senior presidential envoy. You are charged with acting as a committed national leader.
Your appointment as Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs has generated both excitement and skepticism among the South Sudanese. Many view this as a chance to reclaim the country’s reputation, develop policies that promote progress, and guide South Sudan toward a brighter future. Conversely, some dismiss your appointment as nepotism.
The significance of your surname is secondary to the tangible services you can provide. Competence, integrity, and vision, qualities you possess, are the true measures of leadership. How effectively and productively you apply these attributes will determine whether you meet the responsibilities of your appointment or reinforce the skepticism of your critics.
You have been entrusted with an office that your predecessor used merely to siphon off public resources. This office can become a catalyst for transformation if you choose to wield it wisely. The world is impatiently waiting to view South Sudan not as a nation eternally mired in conflict and widespread corruption, but as a country characterized by resilience, culture, and growth. You have the opportunity to reshape our narrative and facilitate new partnerships and investments with international stakeholders and the diaspora.
Unlike your predecessor, who faced international sanctions and restrictions, your local and international reputation remains untarnished. This gives you the chance to address the issues created by your predecessor’s actions, which often exploited the citizens. Your record has not caused harm to the country, positioning you among the most promising citizens who, if given the opportunity, could significantly contribute to its growth.
Currently, youth and women at home are seeking empowerment. Programs that expand opportunities in employment, skills training, entrepreneurship, and leadership will enable them to shape their own futures. You have the conceivable power to transform your office into a platform that offers services for those who have been marginalized for far too long. This approach would also facilitate connections with veterans, allowing them to share their wisdom and insights, which can uplift the nation.
Development must be visible and centered around the people. Health facilities, schools, clean water, and electricity projects are not luxuries; they are essential priorities embedded in the SPLM vision. If you assist in coordinating their effective implementation, you will contribute to cementing the legacy of Dr. John Garang de Mabior and President Salva Kiir Mayardit, leaving a permanent mark on the lives of ordinary citizens. It is important to note that a significant portion of government development funding has been allocated to road construction. However, progress in this area has stagnated, with allegations suggesting that allocated funds have been diverted for personal gain. We have resources as a nation, and if utilized wisely and with integrity, the country can move beyond struggles for leadership and begin to enjoy the benefits of development.
While we work on building our nation, we must also prioritize healing. South Sudan still bears deep wounds of division, and true peace must be cultivated from the grassroots level. Instead of relying solely on internationally brokered peace agreements, we should create our own homegrown peace deals that promise greater sustainability.
Chiefs, faith leaders, women, and youth are key to the reconciliation process. By walking alongside them, you will serve not only as an envoy for special programs but also as an envoy of unity.
You are brand new to the challenging political arena of South Sudan, having just been introduced to it through your new assignment. While you may be new to this role, you are not unfamiliar with the country’s affairs; thus, no one can rightfully assume that you have acted wrongly toward South Sudan.
Let “Integrity” be the cornerstone of your work. Many offices in our country have been tarnished by corruption and favoritism. Strive for yours to be different. Avoid surrounding yourself with sycophants and idiots who will only praise you. Seek out dynamic South Sudanese who can decipher political details, understand public policy, and have the necessary courage to make critical decisions for the benefit of our beloved country. Always demand transparency, set high standards, and let accountability serve as your protection against doubt.
The future of our beloved country depends on how we tackle the challenges posed by climate change and innovation. The floods and droughts affecting our citizens, especially those displaced from their homes in Unity State, Abyei, and parts of Aweil, Rumbek, and Jonglei, underline the urgent need for resilience in agriculture for food security, flood mitigation measures, and environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, South Sudan must embrace technological advancements. The Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services has a vital role in developing digital skills and implementing e-governance to better connect our people with the wider world. You have the potential to be a voice that guides us towards a brighter tomorrow; coordinate by prioritizing this initiative for effective implementation.
Adut, you are more than just the daughter of the president; you are a daughter of South Sudan. Every action you take in this role is viewed by the nation as a source of hope. Rise above the mediocrity exhibited by your predecessor and prove your critics wrong. Once viewed as a promising youth who could shape the country’s future, your predecessor eventually seemed out of touch and ineffective. He lowered our heads as young people and he even has the guts to threaten some of us with, the case of innocent Lina Parek. The opinions of vocal youth have threatened him already.
Dear Sister, maintain your integrity; those who know you describe you as confident, compassionate, vibrant, and visionary. If you lead with humility, courage, and accountability, your appointment will serve as evidence that merit can prevail even amid skepticism. You have the opportunity to correct the past mistakes of your forerunner in this position by making the right choices.
The country is not surprised by your appointment. Like others who have been appointed, you are a citizen deserving of any government position. Being the daughter of President Salva Kiir Mayardit is not a crime; everyone has a father, and that should not be a limitation. Your true limitation would arise only if you fail to meet the people’s expectations. Lead effectively, and counter the risks of subnational conflict created by those who lack the skills to manage it.
Our country can only improve when it is at peace with itself. Your positive contributions can help redeem the country. You represent the anticipated renewal of the people’s hope.
Till then, yours truly, Mr. Teetotaler!
The writer, Dr. Sunday de John, holds MBA and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences and Faculty of Medicine respectively. He is the current Chairman of the South Sudan United Front-Progressive and can be reached via drsundayalong4@gmail.com
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.