Cleto accepts dismissal, praises Kiir and Machar for ‘commitment’ to peace

JUBA — South Sudan’s outgoing Western Bahr el Ghazal State governor, Sarah Cleto Hassan Rial, welcomed her dismissal in a public show of support for President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Riek Machar, praising their “unwavering commitment” to the welfare of South Sudanese citizens.

In decrees broadcast on Friday by the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Kiir announced Cleto’s removal from office, appointing Emmanuel Primo Okello as the new governor.

Kiir then, in a subsequent presidential decree, appointed Cleto to the Transitional Council of States as a member representing SPLM-IO.

The president also dismissed Agok Makur as deputy finance minister, replacing him with Bech George Anyang, an Upper Nile University economics lecturer with a master’s degree in economics from the UK.

The SPLM-IO confirmed the reshuffle was requested by the group, with Dut Majokdit, a member of the SPLM-IO’s National Liberation Council, telling Sudans Post shortly after the decrees that Machar had formally submitted the request for changes in a letter to Kiir.

Dut did not specify when the request was submitted to Kiir by the head of the main armed opposition group.

Following her removal, Cleto expressed appreciation for the decision and extended her gratitude to Kiir for his commitment to South Sudan’s people.

“During my time in office, I witnessed your unwavering commitment to the people of South Sudan. Your dedication to rebuilding and strengthening our nation is truly admirable,” Cleto wrote in her letter to Kiir. She also thanked him for “the trust you placed in me to lead Western Bahr el Ghazal State for the last four years.”

In a separate letter addressed to Machar, Cleto praised his leadership and thanked him for his support.

“I want to take this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the trust and support you have shown me during my time in office. Your leadership and guidance have been invaluable, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have served under your leadership and vision,” she wrote.

Cleto highlighted Machar’s efforts to unify South Sudan’s people and transform SPLM-IO into an inclusive national movement, calling his work “truly inspiring.”

“I am proud of what we have accomplished together. Your unwavering commitment to the people of South Sudan has been a constant source of motivation for me,” she added.

As she reflected on her tenure, Cleto expressed gratitude for the mentorship she received.

“Now that my time in office has come to an end, I want to thank you for the experience and knowledge gained while working alongside you. Your mentorship has been instrumental in my growth, and I will always cherish the lessons learned,” she concluded, pledging continued support for Machar’s “vision” for a united South Sudan.

Cleto’s statements reflect customary public acknowledgment following dismissals in South Sudan. Agok Makur, however, has yet to comment on his removal from the finance ministry but is expected to do so in the coming days.