Five ministers, including a woman, and two chairpersons of independent commissions were sworn into office on Monday in South Sudan’s Warrap State government. The ceremony took place at the Secretariat General.
Earlier this month, the Warrap State government relieved its SPLM seventh cabinet ministers and four heads of independent commissions, including deputy commissioners. This action was in line with the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which stipulated that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) should have a share of nine ministerial positions.
On the fourth of June, Governor Manhiem Bol Malek swore in Thiik Lual Mayardit as Minister for Land and Bridges, Alek Garang Atem as Minister of Trade and Industry, Achuil Malei Aliap as Minister for General Education and Instruction, Deng Madut Deng as Minister for Public Service, and Dr. (Med) Barach Malith Atem as Minister of Health.
Additionally, Daniel Makol Dhel and Benjamin Anyar Mabior were sworn in as Chairpersons for the Commissions for Peace and Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), respectively.
Governor Manhiem Bol Malek congratulated the newly appointed cabinet members and urged them to work diligently for the people of Warrap State. “First, I congratulate the newly appointed cabinet members for their appointments to serve the people of Warrap. I also extend my best wishes to the relieved team members and hope they find success in future endeavours,” he said.
Governor Bol acknowledged the difficulty in changing his government, stating that it took him six months to make the decision. “Changing the government is like weaning a baby from its mother. It is a difficult decision. It took me six months since my appointment to implement what I did today,” Bol explained.
He clarified that the decision was not meant to exclude anyone associated with former Governor Aleu Ayieny or other leaders but rather to allow for a period of rest and rejuvenation. Governor Bol also emphasized that this was not a reflection of their loyalty but rather a necessary change.
Meanwhile, Kuec Deng Mayar, the Warrap Assembly Speaker, urged the newly appointed ministers and commissioners to prioritize service delivery and consider the institutions they represent. “The positions you hold today do not belong to the SPLM party. Therefore, do not solely focus on loyalty to the Governor as the SPLM chairperson who appointed you. These institutions do not belong to the SPLM as a political party; instead, they serve the people of Warrap State,” he stated.
Mayar reminded the officials of their oath during the swearing-in ceremony, emphasizing their responsibility to uphold the country’s laws, the state constitution, the revitalized agreement, and its roadmap. He concluded by warning that failure to adhere to these principles would have consequences.