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

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‎ ‎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...

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



‎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, prosecution powers are strictly defined under Article 135, Clauses 1, 2, and 3, making the executive branch’s involvement in issuing the warrant a violation of constitutional order.

‎Constitutional Dispute at the Heart of Machar’s Trial

‎The arrest warrant controversy has intensified the already tense trial, with Machar’s defense framing the case as a broader constitutional crisis rather than a straightforward prosecution.

‎Legal analysts note that the case touches on separation of powers a principle that defines the roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary. 

By bypassing parliamentary approval, Raimondo argued, the warrant not only undermines due process but also sets a dangerous precedent for executive overreach.

‎Political Implications

‎The defense challenge comes amid heightened political tensions, with Machar’s supporters viewing the trial as politically motivated and a breach of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. Protests have already been reported in parts of the country, with calls for the government to drop the charges.

‎If the court upholds the defense objection, it could force a significant rethinking of the ongoing proceedings, possibly stalling or even invalidating the trial.

‎What’s Next?

‎The Special Court is expected to deliberate on the defense’s objection in the coming sessions. 

Observers say the ruling will be a litmus test for South Sudan’s fragile judiciary and its ability to balance justice with constitutional integrity.

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