The appointment of Steward Soroba Budia, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party, appeared in a presidential order dated January 30. Local media quickly noted that Budia passed away in 2021, sparking widespread ridicule on social media.
In a short statement, the presidency announced the dismissal of Press Secretary David Amour Major and Valentino Dhel Maluet, the chief administrator in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, without giving reasons. The statement thanked both officials for their service.
Amour later said the president's office had relied on names submitted by stakeholders and that one party failed to properly verify the list, calling it an 'administrative oversight.' It remains unclear whether this explanation led to his removal.
The panel was created to help prepare the country for elections, though doubts remain about whether the vote will happen as planned.
South Sudan continues to face insecurity, with recent fighting displacing more than 180,000 people, according to the UN.
Previous elections have been repeatedly postponed, leaving Kiir in power since independence in 2011.
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