Some leaders of Jonglei state youths in South Sudan have stated their opposition to the governor’s reshuffling of state-level ministers last weekend.

On Saturday, Jonglei State Governor John Kong Nyuon issued a number of decrees regarding the composition of the state government after some ministers allegedly defected in December last year, affiliating themselves with rebels currently fighting the national army.

Ayar Deng, the chairperson of Jonglei Youth Union, told Radio Tamazuj that while it is the right of the governor to form his government, they have concerns over the representation of citizens in the state in ensuring that the appointees adequately perform their duties. 

The youth are opposed to allowing representation of citizens from areas that they consider to be in rebellion.

“People to be represented are those standing with the government, not those against the government...  Someone should not be given food that does not belong to him - it is not good… This shows that there is no difference between someone against the government and one with government,” claimed Ayar.

However, the chairperson of the Bor Youth Union, Anyang Ajith, disagreed, instead offering his support for the new government:

“We have got no problem with new reshuffling made by the governor because the incoming ministers are ours within the state and also the outgoings, so whoever came as ministers, we youths of Bor County have no problem. We are supporting the new government formed.”

Meanwhile, Jonglei’s Deputy Governor, Baba Medan, told Radio Tamazuj that citizens are pleased with the appointment of the new state cabinet, many of whom have called to show their support.

Baba added, “The four relieved, like Aquila Maluth Mam the former Minister of Finance, had done a lot for the government and we relieved them not because they performed badly but we just changed the government, like the reshuffle made in the national government…”

He said the four ministers that retained the positions like Mayen Ngor Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and the rests had done a lot and citizens need them to do more in the State.