Juba, May 7, 2026 — His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit today officiated the swearing-in of newly appointed officials at the Presidential Palace in Juba.

Those sworn in were Kuol Daniel Ayuol as Minister of Finance and Planning, Clement Juma as Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Mahjoub Biel Turuk as Deputy Minister of Public Service and Human Resources, and General Santino Deng Wol as Chief of Defence Forces of the SSPDF. The oath was administered by Chief Justice Benjamin Bak Deng.

President Kiir said he is looking for honest, hardworking leaders committed to serving the people of South Sudan, stressing that “with hard work, you can reform yourselves.” He directed the Finance Minister to improve banking and payment systems to ensure timely disbursement of public funds, and tasked the new Chief of Defence Forces with strengthening discipline, professionalism, and operational readiness within the army.

Minister of Defence, General Chol Thon Balok, welcomed the appointment and called for faster military reforms. The new ministers pledged to deliver on economic reform, service delivery, and food security.

The appointments underscore the Government’s focus on stronger institutions, improved services, and national security.