By Hou Akot Hou
The Northern Bahr El Ghazal State Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports has appointed directors to oversee the ministry’s activities in three counties.
The appointments cover Aweil East, Aweil West, and Aweil South counties, according to a ministerial order signed by State Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports Bol Akuar Gamar on August 5, 2026.
The order appointed Bulis Bol Chan as Director of Culture, Youth, and Sports for Aweil East County; Machol Ater Ater for Aweil West County; and Morris Akol Akot for Aweil South County.
“In exercise of powers conferred upon me under Presidential Decree No. 84/2022, read together with Article 110(1) of the Transitional Constitution of Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, 2011, as amended, I, Hon. Bol Akuar Gamar, State Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, do hereby appoint county directors of Culture, Youth and Sports,” the order reads in part.
The ministerial order cited that the appointments took effect immediately, and it directed the respective county authorities to take the necessary measures to implement the decision.
“This order is cited as the order for the year 2026 and shall come into effect upon its signature,” the document states.
The appointment of Bulis Bol Chan in Aweil East has attracted attention because of his previous experience as a journalist before entering politics.
Chan previously had disagreements with former Aweil East Commissioner Garang Thiang, who was relieved of his position last week.
Chan was detained on several occasions during his tenure and was later dismissed from his duties following political disagreements with the former commissioner.
The change in county leadership and Chan’s new appointment have raised expectations among some youth in Aweil East that relations between the county administration and youth leadership could improve.
Some youth members said they hope Chan’s appointment will contribute to a more cooperative working relationship with the incoming Aweil East Commissioner, Mawein Mawein Kuol, who is expected to be sworn into office soon.
The three newly appointed directors are expected to coordinate youth, cultural, and sports activities in their respective counties as the state ministry seeks to strengthen its presence at the county level.