By Lodu William Odiya
Caretaker Minister of Presidential Affairs Africano Mande Gidima has remained in Juba to oversee routine executive matters at the Office of the President while President Salva Kiir Mayardit is in Kenya.
Government spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny said Minister Mande would continue handling matters brought before the President’s office and maintain communication with President Kiir for consultation on official issues.
Ateny explained that the arrangement is intended to ensure continuity in the operations of the presidency during the president’s absence from the country.
“Africano Mande (Caretaker Minister of Presidential Affairs) remains behind at the political level so that anything that comes to the Office of the President can be attended to by him” he said.
According to the spokesperson, Mande will receive and attend to cases and official matters that can be handled administratively, while issues requiring the President’s personal attention will be communicated to Kiir for guidance and consideration.
“He can also do this in consultation with the President, since the President remains in communication with him online. Of course, he cannot make major decisions, but if there is anything that comes to the Office of the President, it will be referred to Africano Mande for attention,” said Ateny Wek Ateny, Caretaker Minister of Information and government Spokesperson.
However, Ateny stressed that the caretaker minister does not have the authority to make major decisions on behalf of the president.
He said significant matters would be referred directly to President Kiir, ensuring that important executive decisions remain under the authority of the Head of State.
The clarification comes as President Kiir is currently in Kenya, with his absence raising questions about the handling of government affairs and decision-making at the presidency.
The government has sought to make clear that the Office of the President will continue functioning despite Kiir’s temporary absence.
Minister Mande’s role will therefore focus mainly on maintaining administrative continuity and ensuring that official business does not come to a standstill.
Ateny said communication between Mande and President Kiir would allow the government to address urgent matters while respecting the president’s constitutional responsibilities.
The arrangement also places emphasis on consultation, particularly on sensitive or major government issues that require presidential direction.
Government officials are expected to continue carrying out their respective responsibilities while President Kiir remains away from the country.
The government has not indicated how long the president will remain in Kenya or when he is expected to return to Juba.