By Alan Clement
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has called on the appointed government officials to uphold the national interest and work collectively to foster peace, reconciliation, and unity across South Sudan
In a statement from the presidency, President Kiir made the call during a swearing-in ceremony held at the State House in Juba on Tuesday, describing their appointments as a solemn call to duty and a renewed commitment to public service.
President Kiir reminded the officials that public office should be guided by integrity and service to citizens, not self-interest. He emphasized that prioritizing national interests was key to maintaining stability and progress.
“This is not just an appointment; it is a call to duty. You are here to serve the people of South Sudan, not yourselves,” Kiir declared in a statement.
President Kiir urged the officials to work in harmony and strengthen institutional cooperation. “We must work together as one government, one army, and one people. Only through unity can we achieve lasting peace and development,” he said in a statement.
In the statement from the presidency, while addressing the Aviation sector, the Head of State appealed to the newly sworn-in Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Authority to promote digital connectivity and modernize the country’s aviation services in line with international standards.
“Our aviation sector must reflect the future we want; digitally connected, professionally run, and internationally compliant,” he stated in a statement, directing the Civil Aviation Authority to align with global standards.
The officials sworn in included Minister of East African Community Affairs Pieng Deng Kuol, Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism Denay Jock Chagor, Minister of Transport Rizik Zachariah Hassan, Deputy Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs James Koang Chuol, and Governor of Upper Nile State Jacob Dollar Ruot.
“As you begin your duties, I urged you all to cooperate and work together as one government
united in the purpose to strengthen South Sudan's active participation in the East African
community” President Kiir stressed.
Minister Pieng Deng Kuol pledged to serve with diligence and integrity, assuring citizens of his commitment to regional cooperation and public service.
The officials affirmed their dedication to constitutional governance, vowing to uphold laws and regulations that ensure effective government functioning.
The ceremony was also attended by senior government officials, including SPLM Third Deputy Chairman Simon Kun Puoch, who urged the appointees to “diligently fulfil their constitutional obligations and contribute to the nation’s development.”