SOUTH SUDAN'S PRESIDENT FIRES FOREIGN MINISTER

Juba, SOUTH SUDAN

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has partially reshuffled his cabinet by replacing the ministers of foreign affairs, roads, wildlife and gender.

Appointed Foreign Minister, Awut Deng Achuil 

Kiir, in a decree read on state television on Monday night, named Awut Deng Achuil as foreign minister, replacing Nhial Deng Nhial, who has served since July 2018. Mrs Awut will serve as South Sudan’s first ever female foreign minister.

Kiir also appointed Jemma Nunu Kumba, the ruling SPLM party’s acting secretary general, as the new minister of gender and social welfare, replacing Awut Deng Achuil, who had held the position since April 2016.

Nhial Deng Nhial

The president also appointed Alfred Akuoch Omoli as the new minister of wildlife, replacing Jemma Nunu Jumba, who held the post since 2016.

Lastly, Simon Mijok Mijak was appointed as minister of roads and bridges, replacing Rebecca Joshua Okwaci, who came to office in April 2016.

The order did not mention the reasons behind the reshuffle.

In another decree, the South Sudanese leader removed Twic State Governor Atem Madut Yak and appointed Jacob Madhol Lang as the new governor. Kiir also appointed Timothy Taban Juch as the new governor of Akobo State.

South Sudan's constitution gives Kiir the power to "remove a state governor and/or dissolve a state legislative assembly in the event of a crisis in the state that threatens national security and territorial integrity." - Radio Tamazuj