South Sudan’s president sacks foreign minister

By Benjamin Takpiny

JUBA, South Sudan (AA)- South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit abruptly sacked his Foreign and International Cooperation Minister Mayiik Ayii Deng in an unexpected shakeup.

Deng was relieved in a presidential decree late Wednesday that was aired on state-owned Television South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).

No reason was given for the dismissal.

Kiir did not name a replacement but he directed Deputy Foreign Minister Deng Dau to act as minister until one is appointed.

Mayiik Ayii Deng was appointed in September 2021 as foreign minister, replacing Beatrice Khamisa Wani.

Kiir has sacked three national ministers this month. Last week, he sacked Defense Minister Angelina Teny and Interior minister Mahmoud Solomon.