Sarah Cleto, the newly appointed National Minister of Health and former Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, has arrived in Juba to assume her office, despite ongoing controversies within the fragmented Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In Opposition (SPLM-IO).
President Salva Kiir appointed Cleto, a senior member of the SPLM-IO, to the Health Ministry, one of nine portfolios allocated to the SPLM-IO under the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
However, Cleto’s appointment has sparked controversy within the fragmented opposition party. The SPLM-IO faction under Dr. Machar claims it was not consulted prior to the appointment, while the faction led by Par Kuol welcomed her appointment.
Gai Mayen Luk, SPLM-IO Member of Parliament, criticized the decision as “unilateral and unconstitutional,” suggesting lack of proper consultation with the party’s leadership.
In contrast, another SPLM-IO faction, aligned with Stephen Par Kuol, has welcomed Cleto’s appointment.
Despite online speculation and unconfirmed reports that Cleto had declined the ministerial post, her arrival in the capital suggests otherwise.
Riak Maker Mading, a member of the Communication and Public Relations team at the SPLM-IO National Secretariat, who was present at her reception, confirmed her readiness to take up the new role.
“She has come to Juba and will assume her role after swearing in as National Minister of Health,” he stated, urging the public to disregard the online rumors.
Maker emphasized that the SPLM-IO under Stephen Par Kuol remains committed to implementing the 2018 peace agreement.
The absence of a health Minister after President Kiir relieved the former minister, Yolanda Aweil Deng has been severely felt.
Recently, the Doctors’ Union appealed to the transitional government for an urgent appointment, citing ongoing health emergencies in the country, including outbreaks of M-pox and cholera.
Dr. Abak Rafael, the union’s Information Secretary, highlighted the need for ministerial leadership to engage with partners and respond effectively to the health crises.
Sarah Cleto is now poised to be sworn in and begin her duties.
