South Sudan rebels appoint more officials

February 9, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudan’s former vice-president and leader of the opposition faction of the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO), Riek Machar, has appointed more governors and deputy representatives for the rebel group.

In the recent appointments announced on Monday, Machar has appointed Duer Tut Duer as governor of the rebel’s newly created Sobat state and Major General Mabor Marier Makoi as governor of Rumbek state.

Tijwok Hadhir Aguet, former presidential advisor on religious affairs and current chairman for the rebel SPLM committee for agriculture is appointed governor of Fashoda state. Colonel Koang Gatkuoth Kerjiok is appointed governor of Bieh state.

He also appointed Major General William Ilario Dhal as governor of Warrap state while the movement’s representative to Australia, Aguer Rual, is appointed governor of Lol state.

The rebel leader has also appointed Chuol Dhoal Mut as Undersecretary of SPLM committee for agriculture.

Mariano Magang Mawien, Lam Chuol Jok and Stephen Mach Malual are appointed deputy representatives for United States of America, Kenya and Australia, respectively.

The new appointments come after appointment of military command and governors for some other 21 states which the opposition group has created.

The rebels say the appointments are an important step in establishing civil administrations in the rebel-held areas that will be providing security and coordinate humanitarian interventions.

(ST)