In the first decree, Kiir relieved Chol Deng Thon from his position as Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. While no reasons were provided, the removal comes amid ongoing concerns over water management, floods, and stalled infrastructure projects across the country.
In a separate order, Kiir dismissed Deng Lual Wol as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum. He named Dr Chol Deng Thon Abel as the new Undersecretary, placing him at the helm of one of the country’s most critical sectors. The petroleum ministry, which oversees South Sudan’s oil production and revenue — the backbone of the national economy — has seen frequent leadership changes in recent years.
Another decree affected the communications sector, with the President sacking Gieth Kon Mathiang as Director General of the National Communications Authority (NCA).
He appointed Rizik Dominic as the new head of the regulatory body. The NCA has faced public scrutiny over internet regulation, rising data costs, and digital infrastructure gaps, making the leadership shift particularly significant.
At Nile Petroleum Corporation (Nilepet), the national oil company, Kiir relieved Ayuel Ngor Kacgor from the position of Managing Director.
Emmanuel Athiei Ayual has been appointed to lead the state-owned enterprise. Nilepet has long been central to government efforts to reform the oil sector, strengthen transparency, and boost national participation in the industry’s value chain.
Some of the officials affected by Tuesday’s decrees, like Thon, had spent less than two months in their positions.
While Kiir views frequent changes within the government as a question for solutions, civil society activists always warned that such reshuffles disrupt continuity, weaken institutional memory, and delay long-term plans.
Constant changes at senior levels often lead to policy reversals, stalled projects, and uncertainty within ministries and agencies — ultimately undermining service delivery and the overall effectiveness of government administration.
