Breaking News: President Kiir Fires Lam Akol, Appoints Rizik Zachariah as New Minister of Transport

-


‎


‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed Dr. Lam Akol Ajawin from his position as the Minister of Transport and appointed Hon. Rizik Zachariah Hassan as his replacement in a presidential decree read on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) on Tuesday evening.

‎

‎The decree did not specify reasons for Dr. Akol’s removal, but political analysts say the change comes amid mounting concerns over inefficiency and internal wrangles within the Ministry of Transport, particularly over the management of infrastructure projects and transport safety reforms.

‎

‎Rizik Zachariah, who previously served as the Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State, is a seasoned politician and close ally of President Kiir. 

‎

His appointment is seen as part of a wider government reshuffle aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring loyalty within key ministries as South Sudan heads toward the anticipated national elections.

‎

‎Dr. Lam Akol, a veteran opposition figure and leader of the National Democratic Movement (NDM), was appointed to the unity government under the 2018 peace agreement. 

‎

His dismissal could stir political ripples within the opposition camp, given his influential role in the peace implementation process.

‎

‎The new Minister of Transport, Rizik Zachariah, is expected to prioritize the rehabilitation of major road networks, streamline air and river transport systems, and oversee new infrastructure projects vital to economic recovery and national connectivity.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tension as President Salva Kiir Orders UPDF Withdrawal, But Gen. Muhoozi Refuses Pending Unpaid Bills ‎

-
Image
‎JUBA – South Sudan  ‎ ‎President Salva Kiir Mayardit has reportedly directed the immediate withdrawal of Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) troops from South Sudan, but Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has insisted his soldiers will not leave until outstanding payments owed by the government of South Sudan are settled in full. ‎ ‎According to reliable sources within the security establishment, the Ugandan forces estimated at over 5,000 soldiers were initially deployed in South Sudan under a private arrangement facilitated by businessman and Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, reportedly to support government operations in key conflict zones. ‎However, the partnership has now hit a financial deadlock as huge arrears continue to accumulate. Each UPDF soldier is said to be entitled to $200 per day, meaning the total cost runs into millions of dollars every month. ‎ ‎“General Muhoozi has made it clear that Uganda will not withdra...
Read more

‎Dr. Riek Machar’s Defense Lawyer Questions Legality of Presidential Powers in Court: President Cannot Be Both Prosecutor and Police Officer

-
Image
‎Juba, South Sudan  ‎ The defense team representing First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar on Friday strongly contested the legality of the arrest warrant issued against him, calling it “profoundly shocking” and unconstitutional. ‎ ‎Lead defense lawyer Dr. Geri Raimondo told the Special Court that the warrant undermines the rule of law by granting presidential powers that, according to the constitution, do not exist. ‎ ‎“My Lord, the document before me is profoundly shocking. The arrest warrant essentially terms the President of this country as both a police officer and a prosecutor a power that is supposed to belong to the Honorable Minister of Justice,” Raimondo argued. ‎He further stressed that the warrant was issued by an “unauthorized jurisdiction,” insisting that the only body empowered to authorize the arrest of the First Vice President is the National Assembly, as stipulated under Article 103, Clause 2 of South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution. ‎ ‎According to Raimondo, pros...
Read more

Dr. Riek Machar Trial Day 6: Inside the Special Court Showdown That Could Reshape South Sudan’s Politics

-
Image
‎ ‎Juba, October 3, 2025  ‎ The sixth day of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar’s trial in Juba’s Special Court unfolded with heated legal battles, sharp objections, and mounting political implications.  ‎ At stake is not just Machar’s fate in connection with the Nasir incident, but also the future of constitutional law, immunity, and the peace process in South Sudan. ‎ ‎The session at Freedom Hall brought into focus four key documents presented by the prosecution and the defense’s fierce resistance to their admissibility.  ‎ What transpired revealed not only a clash of legal arguments but also a test of political will between the SPLM-IO leader and state institutions. ‎ ‎Prosecution Pushes Forward ‎On Friday, state prosecutors introduced critical documents into evidence: ‎1. An authorization letter issued by the National Security Service (NSS), signed by Brigadier General Jalfan Obage Nyawela. ‎2. A ministerial decision by the Ministry of Justice establishing...
Read more