S. Sudan’s Kiir swears ministers appointed by Machar’s successor

August 9, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir witnessed on Tuesday the swearing in of two ministers appointed by First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai.

The event was the first major event by the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) ever since the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) heads of states approved the deployment of regional forces and the re-instatement of the country’s former First Vice President, Riek Machar.

The two officials who took oath before the South Sudanese leader were the interior minister, Michael Chiangjiek Mut and his mining counterpart, Gabriel Thokuj Deng.

“The new ministers promised to deliver what is expected by the citizen of South Sudan,” President Kiir’s office said in a brief statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

The presidential security advisor, Tut Keu among other dignitaries, witnessed the event.

Machar, the leader of the armed opposition movement, remains in hiding since his base was raided by forces loyal to President Kiir following last month’s clashes in Juba. He vowed he would only return when the regional force approved by IGAD, the African Union and supported by several members of the United Nations Security Council are deployed.

(ST)