Kiir dismisses deputy information minister, appoints Yau Yau as replacement

JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday night dismissed Deputy Minister of Information Jacob Maiju Korok and appointed former Deputy Minister of Defense David Yau Yau as his replacement.

The decree, announced on state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), did not provide reasons for the changes, but cited the president’s powers under the Transitional Constitution.

Kiir also made significant changes within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IG) faction, revoking the appointment of Benjamin Bol Mel as first deputy secretary-general, along with Santo Malek Anei, secretary for political affairs and mobilization, Bol Makueng Yiel, secretary for external affairs, and Kuong Doadhier Gatluak, secretary for defense and security.

In a separate decree, Kuong Doadhier Gatluak was appointed as SPLM’s first deputy secretary-general, while Bol Makueng Yiel was reassigned as secretary for political affairs and mobilization.

The reshuffle follows a series of major changes in both government and party leadership. Last week, Kiir removed SPLM Secretary-General Peter Lam Both and replaced him with former Vice-President James Wani Igga.

He also dismissed Vice-Presidents James Wani Igga and Hussein Abdelbaggi, appointing Bol Mel and Josephine Lague in their place.

The latest appointments come amid speculation that Kiir plans to elevate Bol Mel to first deputy chairman of the SPLM as part of a broader succession strategy.

The first deputy chairman of the party traditionally serves as vice-president and is positioned to assume the presidency in the event of the incumbent’s death or incapacitation.