S. Sudan president promotes several foreign service officials

January 16, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir has issued a decree promoting several foreign service officials, despite his government losing the ministry to the country’s former political detainees for the Government of National Unity (TGNU).

President Kiir, according to the order read in the state-owned South Sudan television (SSTV) promoted 37 officials as first grade ambassadors, 37 as second grade ambassadors and 22 were elevated to third grade ambassadors.

Majority of those promoted, the list shows, are from his Dinka ethnic tribe, sparking mixed reactions among his critics supporters over the decision.

At least four long serving foreign officials at the ministry of foreign affairs, among them John Anduruga, were relieved by the president from service.

According to the order, for instance, Abdul Ciengkuac Makec had been promoted to Grade one ambassadors effective from 18 September 2014. In a separate order, Isaac Cienkok was promoted to Grade one ambassador and assigned to be the director of the diplomatic institute at the ministry of foreign affairs effective from 14 January 2016.

(ST)