The Bizarre Blunder: President Salva Kiir’s Administration Appoints a Deceased Politician to an Elections Committee

In a stunning display of administrative oversight that has sparked widespread ridicule and concern, the administration of South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit recently appointed a veteran politician to a high-level committee—despite the fact that the individual in question, Hon. Steward Soro Budia, passed away five years earlier in 2020. This incident, which unfolded in late January 2026, has not only highlighted potential lapses in governmental processes but also ignited debates about the state of governance in one of Africa’s youngest nations. As South Sudan grapples with ongoing political instability, delayed elections, and economic woes, this error serves as a metaphor for a presidency perceived by critics as increasingly detached from reality. 39 27

The appointment came as part of a presidential decree establishing a broad-based consultative body tasked with addressing election-related issues, a critical step in a country where democratic processes have been repeatedly postponed since independence in 2011. Yet, the inclusion of a deceased member has overshadowed the committee’s intended purpose, drawing sharp criticism from citizens, opposition figures, and international observers. This article delves into the details of the incident, explores the background of the key figures involved, examines public reactions, and analyzes the broader implications for South Sudan’s fragile political landscape.

South Sudan’s Turbulent Political Context

To understand the significance of this gaffe, it’s essential to contextualize it within South Sudan’s tumultuous history. The nation gained independence from Sudan in July 2011 after decades of civil war, but peace has remained elusive. Internal conflicts erupted in 2013, pitting forces loyal to President Salva Kiir against those aligned with his former deputy, Riek Machar, leading to a brutal civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions. A fragile peace agreement, the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), was signed in 2018, but its implementation has been marred by delays, mutual distrust, and sporadic violence. 48

President Salva Kiir, a former rebel leader and a key figure in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), assumed the presidency upon independence. Born in 1951 in what is now Warrap State, Kiir rose through the ranks during the liberation struggle against Khartoum. After the death of SPLM founder John Garang in a 2005 helicopter crash, Kiir became the movement’s leader and South Sudan’s first president. His administration has been characterized by efforts to consolidate power amid ethnic tensions, economic collapse driven by oil dependency and corruption, and repeated extensions of transitional periods. Elections, originally slated for 2023, have been postponed multiple times, with the latest delay pushing them to at least 2026 or beyond. 4

Kiir’s government has faced accusations of nepotism, incompetence, and authoritarianism. Recent moves, such as the 2025 appointment of his daughter, Adut Salva Kiir, as a presidential envoy on special programs, have fueled allegations of family favoritism. Critics argue that these decisions reflect a leadership more focused on personal networks than national progress. The broader political environment includes a fragmented opposition, with groups like the SPLM-IO (led by Machar) and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) vying for influence under the R-ARCSS framework. 7 11

Against this backdrop, the need for credible elections is paramount. The R-ARCSS mandates a transitional government to prepare for polls, including security reforms, constitution-making, and voter registration. However, progress has stalled, prompting Kiir to form ad hoc bodies like the one in question to foster dialogue among stakeholders.

Who Was Hon. Steward Soro Budia?

At the heart of the controversy is Hon. Steward Soro Budia (sometimes spelled Sorobo or Boro), a respected veteran politician whose legacy in South Sudanese politics spans decades. Budia was a prominent figure in the liberation struggle and post-independence governance. He served as a member of the National Legislative Assembly, representing constituents and contributing to legislative efforts in the nascent republic. Described by peers as a dedicated public servant and a close associate of President Kiir, Budia was known for his advocacy on issues related to unity and reconciliation among South Sudan’s diverse ethnic groups. 46 42

Budia’s political career was marked by his involvement in key institutions during the transitional periods following independence. He was seen as a bridge-builder, often participating in dialogues aimed at resolving inter-communal conflicts. His friendship with Kiir reportedly dated back to the bush war days, underscoring the personal ties that often influence appointments in South Sudanese politics.

Tragically, Budia passed away in 2020, amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, though specific details of his death remain sparse in public records. At the time, his passing was mourned by colleagues, with tributes highlighting his contributions to the nation’s founding. Five years later, his name resurfacing in an official decree has led to speculation: Was this a clerical error, a sign of outdated records, or something more symptomatic of systemic dysfunction? Some social media users humorously suggested that Kiir might have intended to appoint Budia’s son, while others quipped about “spiritual participation” in the committee. 40 26

The Decree and the Committee: A Closer Look

The incident stems from a presidential order issued on January 29, 2026, and broadcast on state-run media the following evening. The decree established a “broad-based leadership body” comprising representatives from signatory parties to the R-ARCSS and other stakeholders. Its purpose is to facilitate political dialogue on election-related matters, including identifying provisions of the peace agreement for post-election handling, addressing legal and security prerequisites, and drafting a “constitutional consensus blueprint.” The body is required to consult with the National Elections Commission and Political Parties Council, reporting back to the presidency within 45 days. 48 41

The committee draws from various political factions, eminent personalities, and civil society, reflecting an attempt at inclusivity. Key members include:

• SPLM (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement): Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, Kuol Manyang Juuk, Aleu Ayieny Aleu, and others, representing the ruling party.
• National Agenda: Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro, Joseph Malek Arop, and figures like Onyoti Adigo.
• SPLM-IO (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition): Stephen Par Kuol, Lasuba Ludoru Wango, Sarah Cleto, and more.
• SSOA (South Sudan Opposition Alliance): Dinay Jock Chagor, Gabriel Changson Chang, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, among others.
• Other Political Parties (OPP): Albino Akol Atak, Peter Mayen Majongdit.
• Former Detainees (FDs): Deng Alor Kuol, Madut Biar Yel.
• Eminent Personalities: Religious leaders like Cardinal Stephen Ameyu Mulla and Professor Francis Deng.
• Stakeholders: Civil society figures including Edmond Yakani, Rita M. Lopidia, and—controversially—Steward Soro Budia. 48 

Notably, the decree excludes the SPLM-IO faction led by Riek Machar, potentially exacerbating divisions. The body allows for the inclusion of non-signatories upon confirmation, and high-profile observers like vice presidents and diplomats may attend key sessions.

Public Reaction and Official Response

News of Budia’s appointment spread rapidly on social media, eliciting a mix of shock, amusement, and outrage. On platforms like Facebook, users questioned how such an error could occur, with one post stating, “It is no longer making a mistake. It is exposing a presidency so disconnected from reality that even death cannot stop its paperwork.” Others speculated that the president might not have been informed of Budia’s death, given their reported friendship. Initial confusion arose as some assumed the name referred to Budia’s son, but closer scrutiny confirmed it was the late politician himself. 40 42 46

Opposition voices seized on the incident to criticize the administration’s competence. Analysts argued it underscores a lack of institutional memory and vetting processes in the Office of the President. In a country where corruption scandals and mismanagement are rife, this blunder has been likened to “institutional paralysis.” 38

In response, the Office of the President issued a clarification on February 2, 2026, acknowledging the error. The statement explained that the appointment was based on outdated nominations from stakeholders and confirmed Budia’s deceased status. It promised a correction, emphasizing that the oversight did not undermine the committee’s mandate. This swift acknowledgment mitigated some damage but did little to quell the narrative of governmental disarray. 39 25

Implications for Governance and Elections

This episode is more than a mere embarrassment; it raises serious questions about the efficacy of Kiir’s administration. Critics contend it reveals a bureaucracy reliant on recycled names and personal loyalties rather than merit or current realities. In a nation plagued by famine, displacement, and insecurity, such lapses erode public trust and could hinder progress toward elections.

Broader implications include potential delays in the electoral process. The committee’s work is crucial for resolving grievances and creating a conducive environment for polls. If administrative errors persist, they could fuel skepticism about the government’s ability to conduct fair elections. International partners, including the UN and African Union, have urged accelerated implementation of the R-ARCSS, but incidents like this highlight entrenched challenges.

Moreover, this is not an isolated case. Reports have surfaced of similar oversights, such as alleged appointments of other deceased individuals, though less documented. For instance, social media buzzed about a commissioner named Adhar Akok Ador, but investigations suggest confusion with living officials. 1 These patterns point to systemic issues in record-keeping and communication within the government.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Reform

The appointment of the late Hon. Steward Soro Budia to a pivotal elections committee stands as a poignant reminder of the fragility of South Sudan’s institutions. While the error has been corrected, it underscores the need for transparency, modernization, and accountability in governance. As President Kiir navigates the twilight of his long tenure—amid speculation about succession and health concerns—the administration must prioritize reforms to restore credibility.

For South Sudanese citizens yearning for stability and democracy, this incident is a call to action. True progress will require not just dialogue on elections but a fundamental overhaul of how power is exercised. Only then can the nation move beyond blunders and toward a future where the living, not the departed, shape its destiny. As one commentator poignantly noted, even in death, Budia’s name has sparked a vital conversation about the state of the living presidency. 40

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