President Kiir told a crowd at Freedom Square on Martyr’s Day on Tuesday that he privately asked his former deputy to resign before issuing a decree to remove him. He also used the occasion to promise that his new cabinet will deliver services to the people.

The president disclosed why he removed his vice president Dr. Riek Machar Teny. "I removed the Vice-President because he has begun the campaign long before the 2015 elections," said the president.

Kiir explained that his former deputy started campaigning too early and became critical of the same government of which he was a part. He revealed that he suggested in a private conversation to Riek Machar to resign since he was very critical of the government, but since he did not do so he relieved him.

The president issued decrees on 23 July relieving the vice president, all of the ministers, and all of the deputy ministers. His close aides and supporters explained subsequently that the move would allow for the formation of a leaner government.

"I want to promise you that you will see soon development in the new (upcoming) government," he added.

The president reminded people that he dissolved the government because the former ministers did not fulfill their duties during the time they were ministers. He had said the same during the Red Army day celebration on Monday at Nyakuron Cultural Centre.

Orphans and widows recognized

South Sudan commemorated its 8th Martyrs' Day on Tuesday under the theme "Towards effective Nation Building and Prosperity for All".

Among those who spoke at the occasion were Gen. James Hoth Mai, army chief of staff, Hon. Deng Dau, chairperson of the commission for widows, disabled and orphans, Professor Scopas, Central Equatoria State Information Minister, and Maria Gideon, a representative of widows and orphans.

Deng Dau, the head of the widows, disabled and orphans commission said the commission among its achievements has supported more than 600 widows in the country.

For her part, Maria Gideon, widows and orphans representative, called upon the government to give them land, and loans for farming and businesses in all the states of South Sudan. She called upon the government to pay pensions for their deceased husbands and engage the widows and orphans with education.

In his remarks, Professor Scopas, who spoke on behalf of the Central Equatoria governor, said the government will allocate land for the widows, disabled and orphans. Likewise in his speech, President Kiir directed all the governors of the ten states to allocate land for the widows, disabled and orphans who became so during and after the war.

Photo: President Salva Kiir bows before wreaths honoring fallen heros on Martys' Day, 30 July 2013 (Radio Tamazuj)