JUBA – President Salva Kiir made a number of leadership changes on Monday evening, replacing several ministers and military officials with familiar faces including Tut Gatluak and Bak Barnaba Chol.
In the presidential decrees, Kiir relieved Finance Minister Athian Diing Athian and appointed Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol in his place. Chol previously held the position from August 3, 2023 to March 15, 2024.
It was also Athian’s second tenure as finance minister and the official held key economic roles including Commissioner-General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA).
Kiir also relieved Amb. Chol Mawut as Minister of Presidential Affairs, replacing him with Africano Mande. Further, Amb. Ajiing Deng Ajiing was sacked as Executive Director in the Office of the President and reinstated James Deng Wal.
Further Hon. Tut Gatluak Manime was reappointed as Presidential Advisor on National Security Affairs following the removal of Madut Dut Yel.
The President also relieved Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum Deng Wal Wol and named Dr. Chol Thon Abel as his replacement.
Amb. Rita Lotua was also named as South Sudan’s Ambassador to Rwanda. Further, Tiger Division Commander: Gen. Philip Nyon was reinstated, replacing Maj. Gen. Valentino Bak Makuei, who severed for only one month.