S, Sudan: Kiir Appoints New Cabinet
By Newsfromafrica
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has appointed a new cabinet following last week’s dismissal of his entire previous team of ministers that saw even Vice-President RiekMachar sacked in a new power struggle.
A presidential creed said that Mr Kiir had appointed 10 ministers to his new smaller cabinet, slashing by a third the number of the post from the previous team. However, the key post of vice-president is yet to be filled after Mr Machar’s dismissal.
Stephen DhieuDau remains the only one to retain his position as oil minister, as changes rung through other portfolios, AFP news agency reported.
Governor of the violence-hit Jonglei state and a formerly feared guerrilla commander KuolManyang has been appointed to the key post of defence ministry.
Last weekMr Kiir had ordered all ministers and their deputies out of office in a presidential decree broadcast by the state television, putting their undersecretaries in charge of their respective ministries until further notice.
It emerged that his decision was of aggravation following a recent outburst by members of his ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), discontented by his way of leadership.
Under the decree he had also ordered the investigation of SPLM’s Secretary General Pagan Amum, who he accused of inciting violence and criticising his actions.
Mr Kiir's office has refuted such claims saying he had acted to promote efficiency and good governance.
Those seen to be critical of Mr Kiir have been left out in the new appointments. This has been seen as path for those axed ministers and deputies to forming a formidable political opposition against SPLM.
US expressed concern that the cabinet's dismissal could threaten stability of Africa’s newest country, bearing recent economic challenges it is facing. The sacking continues to raise fears over dividing the country along ethnic lines, pitting two main communities, the Dinka and Nuer.
The struggle within SPLM is over succession after Mr Machar had hinted that he may be contesting for party leadership against Kiir, ahead of the 2015 presidential polls.
South Sudan has suffered a chronic economic and security problem since its independence from Sudan in July 2011.
In recent months, more than 100,000 people have fled their homes in Jonglei, fleeing bitter rounds of ethnic violence and battles between the army and rebels.
South Sudan depends solely on oil exports for its revenue. Border dispute and sharing of oil resources with neighbouring Sudan has pitted the two countries in clashes that has hampered production of the crude, which both countries rely on for public expenditure.