JUBA — South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Tuesday night dissolved the transitional government and appointed a caretaker administration to run the country as it moves towards the planned December 22 general elections.
The new caretaker government brings in new faces into key positions, while several officials from the previous administration have been retained in different roles.
The appointments cover national ministries, state governments, administrative areas, and several senior government institutions.
James Ngere Paciko has been appointed Presidential Adviser on Governance.
Africano Mande Gadime will serve as Minister of Presidential Affairs, while Martin Elia Lomuro takes charge of Cabinet Affairs.
Amb. Cecilia Adut Manyok has been appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Ayor Akuoch Anok will head the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, while Rizik Zachariah Hassan takes charge of the Interior Ministry.
Dr. Wek Mamer Kuol has been appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, with Obote Mamur Mete serving as Minister of National Security.
Athian Diing Athian has been named Minister of Finance and Planning, while Awow Daniel Chuang takes charge of Petroleum. Dr. Labanya Margret retained the position of minister of trade and industry.
Ateny Wek Ateny has been appointed Minister of Information, Communication, Technology, and Postal Services, while Michael Makuei Lueth takes charge of East African Community Affairs. Stephen Par Kuol has been appointed Minister of Peacebuilding.
The caretaker government also includes three deputy ministers. Philip Jada Natana has been appointed Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Marial Chanuong Yol Deputy Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, and David Marial Gumke Deputy Minister of Interior.
The changes extend beyond the national government, with new caretaker governors 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.
Charles Madut Akol will serve as governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, while Dr. Joseph Monytuil Wejang takes charge of Unity State.
James Koang Chuol has been appointed Governor of Upper Nile, with Bol Wek Agoth as Warrap State governor.
Sherif Daniel Sherif will serve as governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal, while Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa has been appointed governor of Western Equatoria.
Three chief administrators appointed to oversee administrative areas
Justice Charles Abyei Jok will serve as Chief Administrator of the Abyei Special Administrative Area, Joseph Baboya Ngere as Chief Administrator of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, and Daniel Makuei Thiyier will serve as Chief Administrator of the Ruweng Administrative Area.
The new appointments of undersecretaries to key ministries and public institutions
Moris Aduol Dut has been appointed undersecretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, while James Alam Ware is undersecretary at the Ministry of Roads and Bridges.
Deborah Akech Kuocnin has been appointed undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour, with Dr. Malinda Nai Justin serving as national expert at the same ministry.
Changes to three major public institutions
Rizig Dominic Samuel has been relieved of his position as Director General of the National Communication Authority and replaced by Eng. Gieth Kon Mathiang.
Dr. Ayiei Garang Deng has been removed as Director General of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority and replaced by Mosety Kat Monyngok.
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 come as South Sudan enters a crucial period ahead of the December 22 elections.
Kiir announced the dissolution of the transitional government on September 22, following the passage and signing of amendments to the National Elections Act.
The government’s transition to a caretaker administration marks a major change as the country moves from the power-sharing arrangement established under the 2018 peace agreement towards the planned electoral period.
With only three months remaining before the scheduled vote, the new officials are expected to keep government institutions functioning while the country prepares for the elections.
