South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has appointed his daughter, Adut Salva Kiir, as Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programmes, a move seen by analysts as part of a broader trend of consolidating power within the ruling elite.
The position was previously held by Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who was elevated to vice president in February. The reinstatement of the post, now occupied by Adut Kiir, has drawn criticism over perceived nepotism and concerns about growing political dynasties within the country’s leadership.
Adut Kiir, who has recently been engaged in humanitarian work through her non-profit, the Adut Salva Kiir Foundation, has not held a formal government position before. Her new role places her among the president’s closest aides.
The appointment comes amid a wider pattern of children of prominent liberation-era figures being placed in senior government positions. These include the son of former vice president James Wani Igga, the daughter of presidential advisor Gen. Kuol Manyang, and the daughter of Gen. Daniel Awet Akot.
James Boboya, a senior policy analyst, told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that the trend reflects a move toward what he described as “inheritance governance.”
“When political power is perceived to be slipping, leaders begin transitioning influence to close family members or relatives. This centralizes power and redistributes state resources within a narrow inner circle,” Boboya said.
He warned that such moves risk sidelining qualified individuals and could undermine public trust. “This is dangerous for the country. It pushes out capable professionals who could contribute to good governance, national unity, and development.”
Civil society groups have also criticized the appointment. Ter Manyang Gatwech, a human rights activist, called the move “direct nepotism.”
“It is not surprising that children of liberators are being appointed, but placing one’s own daughter in such a senior position will be seen by many as unfair,” he said. “There are many qualified young people in South Sudan without employment. Merit should be the main criteria.”
He added that appointments should reflect national diversity and inclusiveness. “If you want fairness, you should appoint based on qualification, not bloodline. There are competent individuals across all communities in South Sudan.”
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), urged Adut Kiir to demonstrate leadership in her new role.
“We hope she contributes to peace, stability, and accountability. Her performance will be closely watched,” Yakani said. “This is a political appointment that demands merit and effective public service. She must work to support a genuine political transition from conflict to peace.”
Yakani warned against the pitfalls observed in other countries where presidential family members failed to prioritize public interest. “This is a serious political test for her. She must demonstrate that she can rise above personal or familial interests and deliver for the nation.”