Laute Satimon Joel, Executive Director of Integrity South Sudan, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in a healthy democracy.
“Our organization is deeply troubled by the recurring presidential decrees for public official appointments and dismissals,” Joel said in a statement seen by Sudans Post.
While acknowledging the President’s authority, Joel stressed the need for clear criteria and justifications behind such decisions.
“The constant reshuffling of positions without explanation undermines public trust in the government’s commitment to democratic principles,” he explained.
He further highlighted the importance of accountability.
“Officials must be answerable for their actions and decisions, which should always serve the best interests of the nation and its people,” Joel added.
Integrity South Sudan believes that a system with established procedures for hiring and firing would help prevent abuses of power and undue concentration of authority.
Joel urged the government to adopt a more systematic approach aligned with international best practices.
“This includes providing clear explanations to the public for government position changes, ensuring appointments are based on merit and experience, particularly for positions involving public finances,” he elaborated.
Integrity South Sudan appealed to the government to consider the long-term consequences of such decrees on South Sudan’s political stability and institutional integrity.
They emphasized that a transparent approach would not only strengthen citizen-government trust but also improve relations with the international community.
President Salva Kiir has frequently used presidential decrees to dismiss and appoint government officials without public explanation.
Recent examples include the removal of Northern Bahr el Ghazal Governor Tong Akeen Ngor and Trade and Industry Minister William Anyuon Kuol.
Integrity South Sudan remains committed to advocating for a democratic process in South Sudan.
I absolutely agree with the Integrity South Sudan, Executive Director, Luate Satimon that appointing and dismissing political appointees has become monotonous in South Sudan by President Salva Kiir. This is happening by the way without explanations. The public also need to know why some body is being removed from office, in most cases after barely a year in office. What is it about? Corruption or incompetency?
Kiir is acting as if he has own the country. Guess what, if Lowate is within the country, you’ll hear him disappear or kidnapped for telling the truth to the public.
Kiir is acting as if he has own the country. Guess what, if Lowate is within the country, you’ll hear him disappear or kidnapped for telling the truth to the public.