South Sudan diplomat receives overwhelming recognition

December 13, 2021 (JUBA) – A newly appointed South Sudanese diplomat has received overwhelming recognition-day after he was appointed by President Salva Kirr, with many arguing that the decision was long overdue.

Kiir appointed James Okuk, a longtime employee of the Foreign Affairs ministry, an ambassador in a move that surprised many people.

He previously served at Sudan’s embassy in Brazil before secession.

Observers say Okuk’s view is often critical of President Kiir and his close association to opposition leader Lam Akol dented his rise to the helm.

Akol unsuccessfully challenged Kiir for the presidency in March 2010.

Despite his criticism of the Juba regime, Okuk was on December 1, appointed a third-grade ambassador by the South Sudanese leader.

Several congratulatory messages followed the diplomat’s appointment.

“Congratulations to you Amb. Dr Okuk for your promotion. You deserve it,” wrote Ambassador Dr Santino Fardol.

“Congratulations @Dr. James Okuk. These days it’s hard to appear in the list of decrees, but when such happens, then you are reminded that the leadership has you at heart. Congratulations and wish you well in your new portfolio,” noted Philips Ng’ong.

Dr James Alic stated, “Great news. Million congratulations to Dr Okuk for the appointment and wish him good luck in his endeavours”.

“Congratulations Dr James Okuk for a well-deserved promotion,” said Ambassador Chol Mawut.

“Congratulations to general Kwanyireth, Amb Dr Professor Okuk. I thought he was a Grade 3 ambassador all along! Surely, he deserves to be more than this level. It’s great nevertheless that the President has recognized his resilience in defence of the government. Congratulations. Am sincerely delighted to hear this news,” wrote Prof. Jok Madut.

Brian Adeba stated, “Indeed, [the] dude’s been there since before 2012. There is barely literate Grade 1 ambassador, but that is another story. So Okuk deserves it”.

For his part, John Tanza wrote, “Dr James Okuk, allow me to congratulate you upon your appointment as an ambassador. Our Foreign Service needs qualified personnel of your calibre. I am sure if you are posted to represent us abroad, you will do wonders because you are a trained diplomat. It is time for the militias who are misrepresenting us at our various embassies to pack and go home”.

Okuk, who holds a doctorate in Philosophy, also worked as a senior research fellow at the Center for Strategic and Policy Studies in Juba.

(ST)