On September 22, President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced the dissolution of the transitional government, marking a significant step towards the country's planned general elections on December 22. The move comes after the passage and signing of amendments to the National Elections Act. A new caretaker government has been appointed to oversee the country's affairs until the elections.
The caretaker government includes several new faces in key positions, while some officials from the previous administration have been retained. James Ngere Paciko has been appointed Presidential Adviser on Governance, and Africano Mande Gadime will serve as Minister of Presidential Affairs. Other appointments include Martin Elia Lomuro as Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Amb. Cecilia Adut Manyok as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The new cabinet also includes Ayor Akuoch Anok as Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Rizik Zachariah Hassan as Minister of Interior, and Dr. Wek Mamer Kuol as Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Dr. Labanya Margret has retained her position as Minister of Trade and Industry, and Ateny Wek Ateny has been appointed Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services.
In addition to the national government appointments, new caretaker governors have been appointed across all 10 states. Augustino Jadalla Wani will serve as governor of Central Equatoria State, while Louis Lobong Lojore takes charge of Eastern Equatoria. Moses Majok Gatluak has been appointed governor of Jonglei, and Rin Tueny Mabor Deng has been appointed governor of Lakes State.
The changes also extend to administrative areas, with three chief administrators appointed to oversee the Abyei Special Administrative Area, the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, and the Ruweng Administrative Area. Justice Charles Abyei Jok, Joseph Baboya Ngere, and Daniel Makuei Thiyier will serve in these positions, respectively.
Furthermore, several changes have been made to key public institutions. Rizig Dominic Samuel has been replaced as Director General of the National Communication Authority by Eng. Gieth Kon Mathiang. Dr. Ayiei Garang Deng has been removed as Director General of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, and Mosety Kat Monyngok has taken over. Amb. Moun Deng Ajuet has also been relieved as Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, with Rizig Dominic Samuel appointed to replace him.
The caretaker appointments mark a crucial period for South Sudan as it prepares for the December 22 elections. The new officials are expected to keep government institutions functioning while the country transitions towards the electoral period. With only three months remaining before the scheduled vote, the appointments aim to ensure a smooth transition and preparation for the elections.
Key points
- President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dissolved the transitional government, appointing a caretaker administration to run the country until the December 22 general elections.
