South Sudan’s Kiir appoints new Chief Administrator for Abyei

January 10, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has appointed Chol Deng Alak as the Chief Administrator for the contested Abyei region, replacing Gen. Kuol Deim Kuol who has been in the position since 2020.

Kiir, in a presidential decree read on the state-owned television (SSBC) on Monday, gave no reasons why changes were made in Abyei leadership.

Last week, 13 people were killed and five others wounded in an attack blamed on the Nuer and Twic communities in Rumamer village of Abyei.

President Kiir, in a separate decree, removed the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs Undersecretary, Kiir Chol Biar and replaced him with Victor Atem Atem.

Atem previously served as the governor of the now-defunct Gogrial State.

Meanwhile, President Kiir cancelled the Board of Directors of the international gateway for South Sudan established by the Minister of Information in 2017.

The Board of Directors, according to the presidential order, was “illegally” formed.

“The National Communication Authority, as a body mandated by law under section 9 (g) of the National Communication Act, 2012, is hereby directed to take charge of the said international gateway while taking appropriate measures to protect the security of information and communication networks against intrusion,” reads the decree.

It adds “The National Communication Authority, together with relevant government institutions, are hereby directed to come up with a legal framework or procedures for proper establishment and management of the international gateway accordingly”.

(ST)