Salva Kiir Mayardit, the president of South Sudan, has fired both the Defense Minister, Angelina Teny, and the Interior Minister, Paul Mayom Akec. The news came out Thursday afternoon. However, the full reasons for the decision have not yet been given.
According to a statement from the office of the president, Lt. Gen. Santino Deng Wol has been named the new Defense Minister. While Mr. Alfred Lado Gore has been named the new Interior Minister. Angelina Teny and Paul Mayom Akec were also thanked for their service to the country.
Observers have said that this move comes at a very important time for South Sudan, which is facing a number of security problems right now. Problems such as violence between communities, rebel groups, and a conflict with Sudan over the border region of Abyei.
QUESTIONS
The Defense Minister’s dismissal raises concerns about the military’s human rights record and corruption. Some experts believe President Kiir may change the military to address these issues.
The decision also comes as political tensions in South Sudan are growing, with some opposition groups calling for more democratic reforms and a government that includes more people. President Kiir has been in charge of South Sudan since 2011, and also handles the country’s political and economic crises,.
The firing of two important cabinet ministers is likely to make these arguments more heated. Furthermore, it could lead to calls for more changes in the government’s leadership. It remains to be seen how Lt. Gen. Santino Deng Wol and Alfred Lado Gore will handle their new jobs and what effect their new positions will have on South Sudan’s security and politics.
However. for now, President Kiir has made his choice, and the rest of the country must wait and see what happens.
