Dr. Albino Bol, the National Minister of Youth and Sports speaking during the launch of Youth Camp Activities in Juba - Credit | Lou Nelson/Eye Radio | April 25, 2022

President Salva Kiir on Friday relieved the National Minister of Youth and Sports, revoked the appointment of the Executive Director of National Bureau of Standards and reshuffled officials across three states.

Dr. Albino Bol Dhieu, one of the longest serving officials in President Kiir’s cabinet was replaced by Dr. Joseph Geng Akech.

Following the news about his exit, Dr Bol said he “wholeheartedly” welcomes President Kiir’s decision to change him and commended the “great chance you have given me to serve my country.”

“I call upon all the youth to rally behind your leadership and support our newly appointed Minister of Youth and Sports Cde. Dr. Joseph Geng Akech and work together for peace and betterment of our beloved country, South Sudan.”

The relieved youth minister was recently accused of meddling in the affairs of the National Youth Union, as it plans to hold a convention that could pave way for the conduct of elections. He was not immediately available to respond to the allegations.

In another decree, the president revoked the appointment of the Executive Director of the National Bureau of Standard Executive Director Dr. Mary Gordon Mortat.

Dr. Kurwel Kwai Kurwel has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Council of Bureau of Standards to act in her place.

Meanwhile, Kiir relieved and appointed officials across several states including Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Warrap and Upper Nile.

In Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Kiir sacked Deng Yay Bak, the Minister of Local Governments and Law Enforcement Agencies and replaced him with Atak Garang Akech.

The president has appointed Kuot Kuach Kuach as the new Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs – replacing the deceased former minister Kuay Yuel Agaw, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.

Kiir also sacked Angelo Deng Wek, the Deputy Chairperson of the state Human Rights Commission and replaced him with Santino Garang Awech.

Honorable Majok Piol Mayen, the SPLM-IO Commissioner of Aweil West County has been shown the exit door and replaced with Garang Peter Maduot.

In separate decrees, Kiir reversed the appointment of members of parliament in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.

These are Nyang Atak Barjok, Atak Garang Akech, Wek Cuey Lang (SPLM-IO), Atek Dut Kuol, Aluach, Aruach Mawien Makon, Peter Yor Kaw, all from the (National Alliance)

In their place, he appointed Mawien Aguok Mapeth, Deng Akon Yai, Victor Wol Guot, Dut Dut Thalang, Patrick Opio Dimo, Charles Akuot Ayii.

President Kiir relieved Nyayak Manyuat Kuot, the Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs in Warrap State and replaced her with Alice Deng Ciendit. Both officials from the SPLM docket.

The appointment of several members of parliament in Warrap was also revoked.

These were: Honorable Makuach Kur, Deputy Speaker of the state parliament, and legislators Mangok Kuom Nyuol (SPLM), Madol Tiop Kuot, Cueibet Agey Dut and Diing Motar Majok, (National Alliance), and Lual Lual Mayen (Democratic Change).

In their Place, Kiir appointed Mario Ajak Akuei as Deputy Speaker, AND Ajang Madut Kon (both from SPLM), Mariano Lual Deng and Johnson Malong Mawich (from National Alliance), Ronato Akol Mathiang (National Agenda), Angelo Cuei Akec (Democratic Change).

Kiir relieved officials in Upper Nile State government.

These are Yasir Ojuk Ajak, Upper Nile State Advisor on Gender and Social Welfare (USSA), and Adam Yel Ebech, Minister of Gender and Social Welfare (SPLM-IO).

The president then appointed Dr. Timon John Tipo, Advisor for Gender and Social Welfare and the Yousif Mayik Ajang, Minister of Gender and Social Welfare.