President Salva Kiir has enacted a series of high-profile dismissals and appointments within the government, targeting key sectors including aviation, petroleum, and regional administration.
In a decree issued on Wednesday evening, President Kiir removed Captain David Subek Dada from his position as Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA). He appointed John Woja Elinana as Subek’s successor.
The dismissal of Captain Subek follows public outcry over deteriorating conditions at Juba International Airport. A recent incident that garnered significant attention involved a viral video showing goats wandering on the airport’s runway, reportedly disrupting an Ethiopian Airlines plane as it taxied to the parking area.
In addition to the leadership change at the SSCAA, President Kiir dissolved its Board of Directors. The previous board included Geisha Akol Tong as Chairperson and members such as Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, Gen. Thomas Duoth, Gen. Yien Makuac, Gen. Malek Ruben, and Captain David Subek Dada. The reconstituted board now features Addis Ababa Othow as Chairperson, with members including the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, the head of the Civil Aviation Authority’s legal team, the Commander of the Air Force, a representative from the National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau, Maria Lotua (business management), and John Woja Elinana as Secretary.
Further changes were made in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, where Gola Boyoi Gola was relieved of his duties as Chief Administrator. Peter Zulu Buse has been appointed as his replacement.
At the Ministry of Petroleum, Eng. Kon John Akot was removed from his role as Director General of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority. Eng. Lual Chol Dak has been appointed to succeed him.
The Ministry of Justice also saw a leadership change, with Gabriel Isaac Awou dismissed as Undersecretary and Mary James Ajith Awol appointed as his successor.
These sweeping changes are part of President Kiir’s ongoing efforts to address inefficiencies and improve governance across various sectors in South Sudan. The government has not provided specific reasons for each dismissal, but the actions suggest a response to public concerns and a move towards enhancing accountability within key institutions.
