JUBA — South Sudan’s Caretaker Information Minister, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services, Ateny Wek Ateny, has defended the formation of South Sudan’s caretaker government amid criticism from opposition figures over the political affiliations of some officials retained or appointed to government.
The remarks came after Kornelio Kon Ngu, Chairperson of the National Alliance, challenged President Salva Kiir’s caretaker appointments, calling for broader consultation and politically neutral officials as the country prepares for elections.
Speaking to Sudans Post on the sidelines of the Inter-Party Dialogue launch on Thursday, Minister Ateny said the formation of the caretaker administration is grounded in the 2018 peace agreement and the country’s constitutional framework.
“Unless he doesn’t understand the revitalized peace agreement on the resolution of a conflict, if he understands it, the revitalized peace agreement was amalgamated into the Constitution of 2011,” Ateny said.
“That is why we have the Constitution of 2011 as amended. It says three months before the election, the arrangement, which is called R-TGoNU, the Transitional National Unity Government, will come to an end.”
Mr. Ateny said the end of the transitional government does not mean political parties are responsible for forming the caretaker government.
“When it comes to an end, it shouldn’t be parties doing it. But there are still members of other parties within.”
He cited Minister Par Kuol as an example, describing him as the head of the SPLM-IO.
“How do you call Minister Par Kuol? He’s the head of the SPLM-IO, the peace wing that was formed after Dr. Riek Machar had a legal case to answer. So, you cannot say 100% SPLM.”
Ateny urged Kornelio Kon Ngu, Chairperson of the National Alliance, to instead seek a political mandate through the upcoming elections.
“He can go and contest the election. If he is voted, he will come and get back to the government in December 2026.”
The disagreement comes as South Sudan enters a new phase ahead of the December 2026 elections, with the caretaker administration expected to oversee government affairs during the period leading to the polls.
At the center of the emerging debate are questions over political consultation, the neutrality of caretaker officials, and how government institutions will operate during the election period.
