South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Deng Alor Kuol, and Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Dr. Elia Lomuro, have swapped their respective portfolios in a move described as a “consultative” decision by Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang Chol.
The ministerial swap comes after weeks of speculation that President Salva Kiir was planning a reshuffle of his cabinet, following the signing of the recent peace agreement with opposition groups. In a statement, Minister Chol explained that the decision was made in consultation with the president and other senior officials, and was aimed at “strengthening the government’s commitment to peace and inclusivity.”
Speaking to the media, Minister of Foreign Affairs Deng Alor Kuol described the swap as a “routine” decision and expressed his commitment to working with his new colleagues to achieve the government’s objectives. “As a government, we are committed to working together to ensure peace, stability, and development for the people of South Sudan,” he said.
Similarly, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Dr. Elia Lomuro stated that he was ready to take on his new role and work towards the government’s goals. “I am humbled by this opportunity to serve my country in this capacity and I look forward to working with my colleagues to move our country forward,” he said.
The ministerial swap has been widely welcomed by political analysts and civil society groups, who have praised the government’s efforts to promote inclusivity and ensure that all regions and communities are represented in the cabinet. In recent years, there have been concerns about the lack of diversity in the government, with some groups feeling marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes.
The decision also comes at a time when South Sudan is facing multiple challenges, including ongoing violence, economic instability, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has made efforts to address these challenges, including the signing of the recent peace agreement, but there is still much work to be done.
In particular, the government must focus on promoting economic development and job creation, as well as addressing the root causes of the conflict that has plagued the country for many years. It is hoped that the ministerial swap will contribute to these efforts, by bringing new perspectives and ideas to the government’s decision-making processes.
However, there are also concerns that the swap may not be enough to address the deep-rooted issues facing South Sudan. Some analysts have criticized the government for not doing enough to address corruption and promote accountability, arguing that these issues are key to building a stable and prosperous future for the country.