By William Madouk
President Salva Kiir has tasked newly appointed Vice Presidents Josephine Joseph Lagu and Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel to improve service delivery and revitalize the struggling economy.
During their swearing-in ceremony, President Kiir directed the vice presidents to focus on robust economic transformation, including diversifying the economy and prioritizing agriculture to enhance food security.
He emphasized that this major change is aimed at strengthening governance and advancing the country’s economic agenda.
Meanwhile, in his inaugural address, Vice President and Chair of Economic Cluster, Dr. Bol Mel expressed profound gratitude to the president for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him.
He pledged to serve the nation with loyalty, commitment, and devotion, emphasizing his determination to act without fear for the benefit of citizens and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) party.
“I am dedicated to advancing our economic agenda and working closely with H.E. to ensure South Sudan secures its rightful place in the region,” Mel stated.
From his part, Josephine Lagu, who was sworn in under the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) ticket, appreciated the president and said “I pledge not to let down the people of South Sudan.”
She highlighted the collective responsibility of both the Government and the citizens in ensuring the provision of essential services and improving living standards across the country.
According to the presidential press unit, the swearing-in ceremony marks a hopeful chapter for South Sudan as it seeks to navigate its complex political landscape and strive for sustainable development and improved governance for its citizens.
On Monday, President Kiir made changes at the highest levels of government by relieving Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi, who was representing the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), and replacing him with Josephine Joseph Lagu.
Kiir also removed SPLM Secretary-General Peter Lam Both and appointed Wani, the former first deputy chairman and Vice President for the Economic Cluster, as the new secretary-general.
The President appointed business tycoon Benjamin Bol Mel as the Vice President for the Economic Cluster.