Kiir Sacks Two Aides After Appointing Dead Politician to Election Panel

By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja 

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed two senior officials after an embarrassing administrative blunder in which a deceased politician was named to a government panel tasked with preparing the country for elections scheduled for December.

In a presidential order dated January 30, Kiir appointed Steward Soroba Budia, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), to serve on the election dialogue committee. 

However, local media quickly pointed out that Budia had died five years ago.

The mistake sparked widespread ridicule on social media, with many citizens mocking the government’s vetting process and questioning the credibility of preparations for the much-anticipated elections.

Shortly after the controversy broke, an official statement announced the removal of the president’s press secretary, David Amour Major, and the chief administrator in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Valentino Dhel Maluet.

The statement, posted on the president’s official Facebook page and signed by Minister of Presidential Affairs Africano Mande Gedima, said Kiir was “pleased” to relieve the two officials of their duties and expressed “profound gratitude” for their service. No formal reason was given for their dismissal.

Earlier, Amour had attempted to explain the error, saying the presidency relied on the “accuracy and currency” of names submitted by stakeholders.

“It is now evident that a thorough verification was not done by one of the stakeholders which resulted in this unfortunate administrative oversight,” he said, without identifying those responsible.

It remains unclear whether his explanation directly led to his removal. The UDP has not publicly commented on the matter.

Budia had been a signatory to the 2018 peace agreement that sought to end years of conflict following South Sudan’s independence in 2011.

The panel he was mistakenly appointed to is part of Kiir’s efforts to organize elections involving representatives from various political parties. 

However, doubts persist over whether the vote will hold as planned, given ongoing insecurity in parts of the country.

South Sudan continues to face fresh violence, with the United Nations estimating that more than 180,000 people have been displaced by recent fighting. 

Jonglei state has been particularly affected, with government forces clashing with fighters loyal to suspended Vice-President Riek Machar.

Machar, who is under house arrest and facing charges including murder, treason and crimes against humanity, denies the allegations.

Despite a fragile unity government formed under the 2018 peace deal, tensions between Kiir and Machar remain high, casting uncertainty over both political stability and the prospects for credible elections.

The appointment of a deceased official has only deepened concerns about the government’s preparedness and administrative competence at a critical time for the country’s democratic process.