New Commissioners, Ministers Named in Aweil and Yambio

(JUBA) – President Salva Kiir has made sweeping changes to the leadership structures of Western Equatoria and Northern Bahr el Ghazal States, removing and appointing a wide range of officials including state advisors, cabinet ministers, commissioners and members of independent commissions.

The changes announced on Thursday evening affect only members of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), and no reasons were provided for the reshuffle.

In Western Equatoria, Samuel Bati was replaced as Economic Advisor by Grace Apollo Musa. Bati was then reassigned as State Advisor on Peace and Security. Multiple ministers were also relieved of their positions.

These included Paulino David Simbi (Culture, Youth and Sports), Grace Apollo Musa (General Education and Instruction), James Severino Morris (Local Government and Law Enforcement), Naumba Mariam Sigini (Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism), Anna Tuna Richard (Roads and Bridges), John Ada (Parliamentary Affairs) and Alison Barnaba (Agriculture, Forestry and Environment).

New appointees to these portfolios are Charles Gamburipai (Culture, Youth and Sports), Dr Monday Daniel (General Education and Instruction), Alison Barnaba (Local Government and Law Enforcement), Samuel Simon Zigizo (Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism), Emmy Emmanuel Laverick (Roads and Bridges), John Obote (Parliamentary Affairs) and Letisia Benito Bagafu (Agriculture, Forestry and Environment).

President Kiir also appointed Margaret Fozia Emmanuel as Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission and Jeromu Kumba to replace the late Veronica Ani Michael as Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission. Michael Ismail was appointed as the new Yambio County Commissioner, taking over from Alfred Barakati.

The President also revoked several appointments to the Western Equatoria State Parliament, including that of Speaker Wakila Charles Ngamunde and lawmakers Letisia Banito Ngafu, Hellen Oliver Wamite, and Moses Sambia. Ann Tuna Richard was appointed Speaker, with Philip Gambi Samuel and Bage Mbiko James named as new lawmakers.

In Northern Bahr el Ghazal, the reshuffle affected both advisors and ministers. Joseph Akok Aleu was replaced as Advisor for Peace and Security, while Awet Kiir Awet was appointed Advisor on Legal Affairs, replacing Garang Dut Gar.

Ministers Wei Dut Akol (Finance, Planning and Investment), Daniel Deng Deng (Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development), Monica Nyibol Aleu (Gender, Child and Social Welfare), Abor Gordon Nhial (Peacebuilding), and Peter Dut Akot (Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism) were all removed from their posts.

Their replacements include Peter Dut Akot (Finance, Planning and Investment), Hekima Ali Malek (Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development), Theresa Aker Malual (Gender, Child and Social Welfare), Peter Dut Kuot (Peacebuilding), and Akol Wol Mawien (Animal Resources, Fisheries and Tourism).

Parliamentary changes in Northern Bahr el Ghazal included the revocation of Achol William Amoi Mabior as Speaker, replaced by Abuk Jiel Dhieu. New lawmakers Joseph Deng Nguach and Debak Atak Longar were also appointed. Diing Aher Ngong was replaced by Garang Thiang Deng as Aweil East County Commissioner.

In changes to national commissions, President Kiir relieved Jacob Maduok Dau as Chairperson of the Employees Justice Chamber, appointing Yel Deng Wel in his place. Members of the HIV/AIDS Commission, Garang Yak Machuak and Mayar Awel Yel, were also dismissed, with Joseph Achor appointed in their place. Similarly, George Garang Tong and Garang Kuac Ariath were removed from the Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation Commission and replaced by Martin Ahel Garang and Barcham Woya Ujuok.

No financial figures were disclosed in relation to these appointments, though such reshuffles often come with operational implications for state budgets.

Summary of the Key Changes Made by President Kiir in Both States

Western Equatoria State – Major Changes