Environment minister Mabior Garang suspends undersecretary, names acting replacement

JUBA — South Sudan’s Minister of Environment and Forestry, Mabior Garang De Mabior, on Thursday suspended the undersecretary for Environment and appointed an acting replacement, according to an official order.

Joseph Africano Bartel was suspended from his position as undersecretary for Environment over alleged administrative issues and governance concerns within the ministry.

“I, Mabior Garang de Mabior, Minister of Environment and Forestry, do hereby issue the following order for suspension of undersecretary for Environment, Ministry of Environment and Forestry,” the order seen by Sudans Post said.

“The Minister of Environment and Forestry hereby suspends Hon. Joseph Africano Bartel from duty as Undersecretary for Environment with immediate effect from the date of this order due to administrative, careful governance and policy considerations, public trust, and indefinite pending further internal reviews and directives to ensure adherence to values and institutional integrity in the ministry.”

The minister simultaneously appointed David Batali Oliver as acting undersecretary for Environment pending the outcome of an internal review into Africano’s conduct.

“The Minister of Environment and Forestry hereby appoints Mr. David Batali Oliver as the acting undersecretary for Environment of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry,” it said.

“And shall assume duty as such with immediate effect and shall hold that post in an acting capacity till a comprehensive internal review process is completed and further governance and policy directives regarding the same are issued by the minister.”

Attempts to reach the suspended undersecretary for comment were unsuccessful.

The development comes as the Ministry of Environment and Forestry oversees key environmental protec