President Salva Kiir has relieved Sarah Cleto Rial of her duties as Minister of Health and appointed Luke Thomson Thoan Teny as her successor, in a major government reshuffle announced this evening.
The changes come as part of a series of presidential decrees affecting key ministries and administrative positions across the country.
The presidential decree, which takes immediate effect, also saw significant changes in other government offices:
Wieu Sifano Mialek was relieved as Chief Administrator of the Ruweng Administrative Area, replaced by Daniel Makuei Thiyeer.
Yien Gach Ruey was removed as Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, succeeded by Thoak Turuk Thoak.
Garang Tong Aken Akech was relieved as Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs, replaced by Alier Samuel Ateny.
In addition to ministerial appointments, President Kiir also issued decrees affecting several undersecretaries:
Dr. Kennedy Gaaniko Baaime was relieved as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Health, succeeded by Dr. Oromo Francis Seriano.
Dr. Chol Deng T. Abel was replaced by Dr. Santino Ayuel Longar as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum.
Kuol Daniel Ayulo, 1st Undersecretary in the Ministry of Finance and Planning, was replaced by Malual Tap Dieu.
Mary Hillary Wani was succeeded by Kawaja Kau Madol as Undersecretary in the Ministry of East African Community Affairs.
President Kiir expressed his appreciation to the outgoing officials for their service and extended best wishes to the newly appointed ministers and undersecretaries as they assume their responsibilities.
The appointment of Luke Thomson Thoan Teny as the new Minister of Health comes at a critical time for South Sudan, which continues to face challenges in healthcare delivery, including the fight against infectious diseases, maternal and child health issues, and rebuilding the country’s health infrastructure.
The reshuffle signals a broader strategy to enhance administrative efficiency and responsiveness across government ministries.
The President’s decree underscores his authority to effect immediate changes in the executive branch and highlights a continued pattern of strategic appointments aimed at addressing the country’s pressing developmental and governance challenges.
