Lakes state military governor announces new cabinet

April 13, 2013 (RUMBEK) – The military governor of Lakes state, Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol, has reshuffled his cabinet, county commissioners and advisors for the first time since he replaced Chol Tong Mayay in January.

Dhoul, who holds the role in a caretaker capacity, was brought in by South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir, to restore order and security in the state. Under South Sudan’s constitution an election should have be held within 60 days of a governor being removed. Over 80 days have passed since Kiir’s intervention leading to some citizens criticising the government for not abiding by the constitution.

Governor Dhuol issued a decree appointing Akol Muorwel, as county commissioner of Wulu County and Colonel Majak Ruei as commissioner of Yirol West County, replacing Brigadier Makur Kulang Liei.

Permanent chief Dut Malual Arop was made a political advisor to the governor and Lakes state’s former assembly speaker, Isaiah Alier Machinkok, was appointed as food security advisor.

The new cabinet has failed to live up to the ruling SPLM’s ambitious target of having 35% of government positions taken up by women. Literacy rates in South Sudan, especially among women, are some of the worst in world.

Only two of the 19 officials appointed by Dhuol were women.

The newly appointed cabinet members are:

1. Mr. Mabor Achol Kuer, Deputy Governor and Minister of Education, who replaces Athiang Majak Malou
2. Mr. Makoi Bol Kodi, Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency who replaces Benjamin Makuer Mabor.
3. Mr. Daniel Chol Koknyin, Minister for Physical Infrastructure, who replaces Mrs. Adak Costa Mapuor.
4. Mr. Baipath Majuec Rielpuol of Agriculture.
5. Mr. Dut Makloi Kok, Minister of Information and communication, who replaces Charles Badiri Mayen.
6. Mr. Andrew Achijok Yak Minister for Rual development.
7. Mr. Ezekiel Thiang Mangar Minister for Social Development.
8. Mr. William Madong Mading, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, who replaces Matur Majok Ajhac.
9. Mr. Dut Malual Arop, Political Advisor.
10. Mr. Alfred Abiar Wol, Advisor for Peace and Reconciliation.
11. Mr. Isaiah Alier Machinkok, Food Security Advisor
12. Mr. James Aguer Dut Ayol, Commissioner of Headquarters
13. Mr. Mayom Tulba, Economic Advisor.
14. Mr. Santo Domic Dominic Security Advisor
15. Mrs. Veronica Ujuma Dak, Advisor for Gender

Four ministers maintained their positions:

1. Mrs. Maria Paul Jebi, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs
2. Mr. Benjamin Laat Mathou, Minister for Forestry and Fishery
3. Mr. Joseph Maker Madit, minister for Finance, Trade and Industry.
4. Mr. Daniel Gumwel Nhomabur, Minister for Health.

The position of ministry for public service and labour remains vacant.

(ST)