South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has made key appointments as he rang changes across the public sector and security services, APA can report from Juba on Friday.
The latest reshuffles, announced on Thursday evening included the National Security Service, a powerful institution. General Charles Chiech Mayor was removed as Director General of the Internal Security Bureau as Major General Mawien Mawien Ariik, who received a simultaneous promotion as General was appointed in his place.
Robert Mayom Deng has been removed as Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba.
John Apuruot Akech who created a storm after criticising alleged political patronage under President Kiir has been confirmed to the role.
Caesar Oliha Marko has been dismissed as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Transport with Paul Dhel Gum appointed in his stead.
The head of the Financial Intelligence Unit Daniel John Kifa has been dismissed and Bona Gong Deng appointed as his successor.
The Undersecretary at the Ministry of Mining, Matiok Santino has also been replaced by Deng Makuok Duyak.
Also unspared by Kiir’s sweeping changes is the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, whose Director General, John Woja was replaced by Ayiei Garang Deng.
President Salva Kiir’s critics have criticised his latest appointments calling the move the ”Dinkalisation” of government institution, an allusion to the president allegedly politically empowering his own Dinka tribe, the largest ethnic group in South Sudan.
Exiled critic Wani Michael accused President Kiir of dangerously upsetting the regional balance in public appointments, weakening the prospects for a national government and sharpening grievances based on ethnic divides.
WN/as/APA