Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, the newly-appointed Sepcial Advisor takes oath. (Photo: Office of the President).

President Salva Kiir asked the new Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Programs, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel to improve South Sudan’s relations with Kenya and the region.

Dr. Bol, a businessman and head of the ARC Construction Company, was appointed in December 2022 by the president as his Special Envoy on special programs.

Kiir tasked him with strengthening bilateral relations between South Sudan and its neighbors especially Kenya.

“Our relations are tarnished around the world, as you take up your new assignment, go and normalize our relations with Kenya especially the recent tension along the border corridor,” the president said according to a statement from his office.

On the same day, Kiir presided over the swearing ceremony of two ambassadors; Dr. James Okuk and Aker Deng Majok, whom he appointed in December 2021.

Okuk, a former political analyst and lecturer at the University of Juba vowed to strengthen the country’s international relations after taking oath on Wednesday.

Other officials who took oath on Wednesday were the governor of Upper Nile State James Odhok and the Assistant Inspector General of the Police for Medical Services, Lt. Gen. Peter Ngisango.

President Kiir has directed the Governor Odhok to improve security situation in the area that was wracked by deadly violence.

“You have bigger task ahead of you especially improving the security situation in the State,” he said.

“The peace that Pope Francis emphasized on must be maintained to foster stability and development in our country. I will reiterate again that my government will never return the country back to war under my watch.”