South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir has dismissed two senior officials from his office following an embarrassing administrative error that briefly appointed a long-dead opposition figure to a national elections panel.
The decision came after a presidential decree dated January 30 named Steward Soroba Budia as a member of a body tasked with steering consultations ahead of elections scheduled for December. Local media quickly established that Budia, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party, died five years ago.
Presidential Decree Triggers Public Backlash
The appointment sparked immediate reaction across South Sudanese media and social platforms, where citizens questioned how a deceased individual could appear on an official government list.
As scrutiny mounted, the presidency moved to contain the fallout. In an official statement, President Kiir relieved his press secretary David Amour Major and the chief administrator in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs Valentino Dhel Maluet of their duties.
The statement did not specify the exact nature of their responsibility for the error.
Official Statement Offers Thanks, Not Explanation
The dismissal notice, published on the president’s official Facebook page, carried formal language rather than an apology.
Signed by Presidential Affairs Minister Africano Mande Gedima, the statement said the president was “pleased” to relieve the two officials of their positions and expressed “profound gratitude” for their service to the nation.
No reference was made to the deceased appointee or to procedural failures inside the presidency.
Former Spokesman Admits Verification Failure
Following his removal, David Amour issued a separate press release addressing the controversy.
He said the president’s office relied on submissions from unnamed stakeholders when compiling the list of panel members. According to Amour, the assumption was that the names provided were current and accurate.
He acknowledged that the office failed to conduct proper verification before issuing the decree. He did not disclose which group or institution submitted Budia’s name.
Opposition Party Remains Silent
The United Democratic Party, where Budia was a known member, has not issued a public response.
Budia played a role in South Sudan’s political process before his death. He was among the signatories to the 2018 peace agreement that ended years of brutal conflict following the country’s independence in 2011.
His inclusion in the decree renewed debate about record-keeping, institutional capacity, and accountability within South Sudan’s government.
Election Panel Central to Delayed Polls
The panel at the center of the controversy is expected to guide discussions ahead of long-delayed national elections.
South Sudan has repeatedly postponed polls amid political disagreements, security concerns, and logistical challenges. Although December has been set as the next target date, skepticism remains widespread over whether voting will actually take place.
The error has further undermined confidence in the readiness of institutions charged with overseeing the process.
Wider Insecurity Complicates Political Transition
The administrative mishap unfolded against a backdrop of renewed violence in parts of the country.
According to the United Nations, recent fighting has displaced more than 180,000 people. The heaviest clashes have occurred in Jonglei state, where government forces are battling armed groups aligned with suspended Vice-President Riek Machar.
The insecurity has deepened humanitarian needs and raised questions about whether conditions are suitable for a national vote.
Governance Under Strain
Analysts say the episode highlights deeper governance challenges.
South Sudan continues to struggle with weak institutions, fragmented authority, and limited administrative oversight. Errors at the highest levels of government reinforce public perceptions of dysfunction and erode trust.
While the dismissal of senior aides signals accountability, critics argue that structural reforms remain necessary to prevent similar failures.
As South Sudan attempts to navigate a fragile peace, prepare for elections, and address ongoing violence, the incident has become a symbol of the administrative hurdles confronting the world’s youngest nation.
