South Sudan Minister of Trade and Industry Atong Kuol Manyang on Friday suspended Undersecretary John Achier Manyuat and Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards Gloria Nyoka Joseph, citing corruption and indiscipline.
The minister accused the undersecretary of insubordination, indiscipline, and intimidation, according to a ministerial order dated 13 June 2025.
According to the ministerial order seen by Radio Tamazuj, Achier is suspended without pay until further notice, and Leo Okwahi Lule will act on his behalf.
“I, Atong Kuol Manyang, Minister of Trade and Industry in the Revitalized Transitional Government, do hereby issue this Ministerial Order N0.11/2025 for suspension of the Hon. Undersecretary for insubordination, indiscipline, and intimidation with immediate effect from the day (13 June) of its signature,” the order read.
In a separate order, Minister Kuol also suspended the Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), Gloria Nyoka Joseph, for alleged misappropriation of resources, unprocedural and divisive politics, and undermining her (minister).
The order said that Nyoka is suspended pending investigations and that Aldo Upiou Juady, a senior Director General, will act on her behalf.
For her part, Nyoka acknowledged receiving the suspension order.
“Yes, I received it. This is an administrative issue, so I will just wait until we see what happens next. I do not think I have anything more to say and just have to wait until any action is taken,” she said. “I received it, and it is just normal procedure.”
Efforts to reach the suspended undersecretary, Achier, for comment were futile.