S. Sudan assembly forms technical committee to vet new ministers

August 5, 2013 (JUBA) – A technical committee, comprising eleven members, was on Monday formed by South Sudanese parliament to vet the newly appointed ministers.

The team, which consists of lawmakers from all the country’s 10 states, was tasked to thoroughly conduct mandatory background checks of the minister, appointed last week.

On 23 July, South Sudan president, Salva Kiir dissolved his entire government, including removing his long-serving vice-president, Riek Machar in a move that shocked many.

Abuk Ayite, a conservative key member of the house was named head of the committee, which will also comprise of representative from the opposition, who is yet to be named.

The team, according to the chairperson, will examine, among others, educational background, political experiences, past achievements, political vision for the country and whether the candidate he has been charged with crimes.

“The committee will conduct thorough background checks for all the appointed cabinet members. This is mandatory. It is not targeting specific people as it is speculated in the media,” Ayite told reporters in Juba on Monday.

The committee will look at their resumes, political background, past achievements, political vision for this country, she added.

“The members will also be checked whether they have ever participated in any criminal activity, which is where the team will pay much attention”, the official stressed.

South Sudan assembly on Friday started vetting the new ministers, but had to postponed the entire process after failure to reach a consensus. Some members has asserted that the new cabinet should not include those who had already served in government positions, but failed to make any valuable contribution.

But Ayite did not say whether her committee will recommend the rejection of minister who served in the previous cabinet, without adding value.

(ST)