President Salva Kiir Mayardit - Photo credit: courtesy

What started as wild rumors in August has now become reality. President Salva Kiir has relieved and appointed several officials in Jonglei State government, the same names that were leaked to the public weeks earlier.

The reshuffle, announced in presidential decrees read on SSBC last evening, has confirmed what many had dismissed as mere speculation at the time.

In August, a document signed by Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok and addressed to President Kiir surfaced on social media, proposing the removal and replacement of several state officials. The leak sparked heated debate over its authenticity as it circulated widely online.

But to the surprise of many, on Wednesday night, President Kiir dismissed Matiok Lueth Atem as Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Abraham Riak Yuek as Minister of Finance, Gordon Koang Par as Minister of General Education and Instructions, Sarah Peter Lul as Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, and Isaac Mamer Rok as Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities.

Others removed include Lual Monyluak Dau as Minister of Health, Duer Nyuon Gatkuoth as Minister of Labour, and James Gai Makhor who was relieved from his position as Bor County Commissioner.

In the new appointments, Justice Kuony Nyiel Nyuon takes over the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, while Donge Gai Donge has been named Minister of Finance. Samuel Ador Thon is now Minister of General Education, Hellen Marial Mabior becomes Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, and Jacob Mayom Chol is appointed Minister of Housing.

Meanwhile, Jahan Meshak Deng has been named Minister of Health, Puok Bol Par takes over as Minister of Labour, and Ateny Pech Ariik is the new Commissioner of Bor County.

According to the decrees, all those dismissed and appointed are members of the ruling SPLM party.