Nhial Deng Nhial sworn into office as new presidential minister

JUBA – New South Sudan minister of presidential affairs Nhial Deng Nhial has been sworn into office two days after his appointment to replace Mayiik Ayii Deng, the presidency has announced.

Nhial Deng Nhial, the former minister of foreign affairs who also served as the country’s minister for SPLA and veteran affairs was sworn in in presence of president Salva Kiir, vice-presidents Taban Deng Gai and Rebecca Garang, according to a presidency statement.

“H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit presided over the swearing in ceremony of Nhial Deng Nhial as the new Minister of Presidential Affairs in the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, the presidency statement seen by Sudans Post said.

“The swearing in ceremony was administered by the Chief Justice, Chan Reech Madut at the Office of the President before senior government officials and SPLM cadres,” it said.

Juba-Rumbek road saga

Speaking during the swearing in ceremony, Kiir also revealed that he fired Nhial Deng Nhial, the new minister, predecesor Mayiik Ayii Deng for poor practices over the contract for the construction of the Juba Rumbek highway.

According to the presidency state, Kiir “emphasized that he did not have any problem with his former Minister Mayiik Ayii Deng but he fired him from the position because of the issue of the Bahr el Ghazal Road construction project.”

It further quoted Kiir as saying the “the construction of the road started in a poor manner and urged the new minister to review the whole construction process.”

Sherikat incident

Speaking during Nhial Deng Nhial swearing in ceremony, vice-president Rebecca Garang said “in regards to the incident that occurred in Sherikat, that the government should take full responsibility of the situation and calm the communities involved.”

She further added that the “people knew what was going on but the government did not intervene to take action on time.”