President Kiir confirms new government appointments

Juba

Following last week's presidential decree reshuffling some of President Kiir's most senior officials, a formal ceremony has taken place in Juba confirming the appointments.

Specifically, Dr Barnaba Marial Benjamin has been sworn in as the Minister of Presidential Affairs, General Santino Deng Wol as the Chief of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and General Simon Yien Makuac as the Director General of General Intelligence Bureau.

Santino Deng Wol is formally sworn in as Chief of the SSPDF.

The ceremony was overseen by Chief Justice Chan Reech Madut, and took place in the Office of the President.

Announced on the weekend, President Kiir's reshuffle saw a number of key officials moved between senior positions. Although no new faces were brought into the cabinet, many commentators have noted the general replacement of South Sudan's military leadership.

The full list of appointments can be viewed here.