The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has dismissed the Commissioner of Juba County and immediately appointed a replacement in a move that signals a fresh administrative shift within the state’s local leadership.
In a presidential decree announced on Thursday, Kiir relieved Emmanuel Tete Ezbon of his duties as Commissioner of Juba County.
The decree, issued under the provisions of the Transitional Constitution and relevant legal frameworks, did not specify the reasons behind the dismissal.
Moments later, the President named Samuel Emiliano Wani Pitia as the new Commissioner, tasking him with steering the county’s administrative affairs amid ongoing governance and service delivery challenges.
The changes fall under the framework of the Revitalized Transitional Government arrangement, which continues to oversee political and institutional reforms across the country, including in Central Equatoria State a region that hosts the national capital and remains a focal point for government operations.
In the decree, President Kiir expressed appreciation for Ezbon’s “unwavering commitment and enormous contribution” during his tenure, acknowledging his service to the state.
He also extended best wishes to Wani Pitia as he assumes office, urging him to carry forward the responsibilities entrusted to him.
Observers say such reshuffles are not uncommon within South Sudan’s transitional governance system, where executive decisions often aim to recalibrate leadership at various levels of government.
However, changes in Juba County the administrative heart of the nation tend to draw heightened public and political attention due to their direct impact on service delivery, security coordination, and urban management.
The newly appointed commissioner is expected to take over immediately, with the decree taking effect from the date of its signing.
