President Kiir relieves office manager appoints relative as replacement

By Debora Akur Chol, Brown Land Reporter South Sudan

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has relieved his Office Manager, Marina Ayen Gregory Vasili, of her duties.

In a new directive, the President appointed Anok Ayang Mayardit as the new Office Manager. Anok Ayang is reported to be a close relative of the Head of State.

The appointment has sparked debate among members of the public and political observers. Some have raised concerns over the concentration of key government positions among individuals closely related to the President.

Observers point to other appointments within the Office of the President and across government institutions, noting that several relatives, including members of the President’s immediate family, are reported to hold influential roles in different sectors.

Analysts also highlight that the President’s constitutional mandate to appoint senior officials has enabled him to make such selections, a practice that continues to generate public discussion on governance and transparency.