Sudan’s SPLM to set date for Kiir swearing-in

KHARTOUM, Aug 7 (AFP) — Members of the government of south Sudan were to meet in the regional capital Juba on Sunday decide on a date for swearing in Salva Kiir as first vice president following the death of their leader John Garang.

The new SPLM leader Salva Kiir addresses mourners during the funeral service for late rebel leader and first vice president John Garang in Juba, southern Sudan August 6, 2005. (Reuters).

“They will decide that at the meeting,” presidential media advisor Mahjoub Fadul Badri told AFP in Khartoum.

President Omar el-Beshir issued a decree on Thursday appointing Kiir as first vice president and head of the autonomous administration for southern Sudan to succeed the late Garang.

The appointment came three days after leaders of the former southern rebel group that Garang headed, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), met at New Site in southern Sudan and named Kiir as their new leader.

Until then, Kiir was SPLM deputy chairman and chief of general staff of its armed wing, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA).

The Sudanese press had reported that the ceremony would take place on Sunday, but Badri said that was unlikely. He added, however, that there was only a “slim possibility” it could be held on Monday.

The presidency will include Beshir, Kiir and Second Vice President Ali Osman Taha.