President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced a reshuffle of officials in the Jonglei State cabinet, advisors, and county commissioners on Tuesday. The changes were broadcast on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC). The decree did not provide reasons for the changes.
Among those affected by the reshuffle were Athien Adhau Tor, the legal advisor for Jonglei State, John Samuel Mayuon, Minister for Cabinet Affairs, Nyamakal Mau Dheiu, Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs, Marlin David Kuany, Minister for Information and Communication, Abraham Mamer Kur, Minister of Land, Housing, and Public Utilities, John Adeny Kuek, Minister of Labour, Public Service, and Human Resource Development, Gabriel Deng Ajak, Minister of Education, Chol Dheiu Deng, Minister of Health, Mabil Makuach Dau, Minister of Culture, Youths, and Sports, all representing the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
Additionally, Abraham Deng Deng, Minister of Cooperative and Rural Development representing the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM/IO) was also removed from office.
The President then appointed a new set of officials, including Ding Akol Ding as Advisor on Legal Affairs, Mathiop Lueth Athem as Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Nyalele John Chol as Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs, Nyamar Lony Thichiot as Minister of Information and Communication, Isaac Mamer as Minister of Land, Housing, and Public Utilities, Duer Nyon Gatkuoth as Minister of Labour, Public Service, and Human Resource Development, Gordon Koang Bar as Minister of Education, Lual Monyluak Dhau as Minister of Health, Tang Chatim as Minister of Culture, Youths, and Sports, all representing the SPLM. Thon Lual Aer was appointed as Cooperative and Rural Development Minister from the SPLM/IO faction.
Kiir also relieved Jacob Mawut Ajak from the position of Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) and replaced him with Michael Mading Akueth.
Additionally, President Kiir dismissed Samuel Ateny Pech, Bor County Commissioner (SPLM), Peter Latjor Chol, Duk County Commissioner (SPLM), Machot Gatluak, Uror County Commissioner (SPLM), and Nyok Malual Mayik, Pigi County Commissioner from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA). These officials were replaced by James Gai Makor (Bor County, SPLM), John Chatim Ruai (Duk County, SPLM), James Gatkor Gatluak (Uror County, SPLM), and Suliman Deng Thon (Pigi County, SSOA).
Furthermore, Kiir revoked the appointment of several lawmakers from the Jonglei State Parliament, including William Oyol Kang, Isaac Chol Ayet, Matai Gol Deng, Teny Witchar Puok, Simon Thon Ayuen, John Dut Kach, Chan Anei Mohamed, and Mayen Gabriel Ayang, all from the SPLM.