Kiir names new Unity State Cabinet

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit-Courtesy

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has named the new Unity State Cabinet, ending speculation about disagreements over the parties’ nominees.

The reshuffle decree issued on Wednesday followed the May 20, 2024 appointment of Riek Biem Top as the Governor, replacing Dr Nguen Monytuil.

Biem has been running the state for five months with the Cabinet inherited from his predecessor.

The 2018 Peace Agreement gives the President powers to appoint state ministers, county commissioners and other local officials after recommendations from the parties to the power-sharing government.

In his Wednesday decree, President Kiir replaced State Minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency (SPLM) William Dak Koch, Christine Kubai Kom of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs (SPLM), David Gai Jiechjor Nguweny of Information and Communication (SPLM), Gatluak Gatwech Pin of Culture Youths and Sports (SPLM) Angelina Nyakuoth Jal, Minister for Cooperatives and Rural Development (SPLM), Michael Mathiang Dak, Minister for Roads and Bridges (SPLM).

He appointed; Toch Turoal Jiedor, Minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies, (SPLM), William Ruei Lok Jakok, Parliamentary and Legal Affairs (SPLM), Gatwech Bipal Both Information, Communication Technology (SPLM) Geng Kuony, Culture, Youth and Sports (SPLM), Wol Chan Ruai, Cooperative and Rural Development (SPLM), Bayak Ruai Wer, Minister for Roads and Bridges, (SPLM) and Stephen Gatjiek, Minister for Land, Housing and Public Utilities (SPLM).

Kiir also sacked Luka Chearey Riek, Mayom County Commissioner, Gordon Koang Biel, Koch County Commissioner (SPLM) and  Kawai Chany Bol, Guit County (SPLM). He replaced them with James Liyliy Kuol, Mayom County Commissioner, David Galmai Wal, Koch County Commissioner, and Simon Diu, Guit County Commissioner.

In other decrees, Kiir relieved Nyadictor Bapiny Monytwil, as member of the Anti-Corruption Commission (SSOA) and replaced her with Tor Nyak Monytuil.

Kiir further revoked the appointments of William Makwet, Deng Muon, Kasare Khot, Moses Ruai Changjok, Peter Puok Yang, Gatkuoth Puok War, John Dor, all from the SPLM, and Nyier Gatluak (SSOA), as Unity State lawmakers.

He replaced them with, Duop Mawil Chan, Stephen Bol Pech, Christine Kubai Kom, Angelina Nyakuoth Jal, Dhieu Ruai, Mary Lual Yor, Mawum Kuol Gatluak, and Ruech Lang Patuot Gatkek (SSOA).