South Sudanese president sacks interior minister, governor

April 13, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir has issued decrees sacking interior minister, Aleu Ayieny Aleu and Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s caretaker governor, Kuel Aguer Kuel.

The decrees, read on the state-owned SSTV, did not give reasons for these changes.

A former deputy minister of interior in the Sudanese government, Aleu was appointed South Sudan’s interior minister in July 2013.

Meanwhile, unknown gunmen shot and killed two officers from the presidential protection unit just hours before the new decree was read. Its now clear of the interior minister’s sacking was linked to the killing of the officers, who are yet to be identified.

Ateny Wek Ateny, the spokesperson for the presidency, confirmed Monday’s incident.

“The wild announcement on social media that the shooting occurred in the presidential palace are not correct,” Ateny told Sudan Tribune by phone.

“The two security guards were killed while off duty in Nimera Talata, very far from the presidential palace,” he added.

Police have reportedly launched investigations into the motive being the officers’ killings.

GOVERNOR’S WOES

Kuel was impeached by Northern Bahr el Ghazal state lawmakers in February for charges, including misappropriations of funds and abuse of office, a charge he denies.

He instead accused his predecessor and current chief of army staff, General Paul Malong Awan, of opposing his move to fight corruption through introducing new regulations.

The caretaker governor remained in Juba since his impeachment and recently blamed President Kiir’s office for allegedly blocking him from meeting the South Sudan leader.

(ST)