South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The African People’s Congress (APC), a youth-led political party, accused senior government officials of nepotism on Friday, following the recent appointment and promotion of 40 ambassadors at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit recently appointed and promoted several ambassadors to various ranks within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The ambassadors were sworn in at a ceremony presided over by President Kiir on Wednesday at the State House in Juba.
Deng-bill William, chairman of the African People’s Congress (APC), accused top government officials of nepotism, stating that they favour only their relatives in recent key appointments of ambassadors.
“It has become increasingly evident that these appointments have disproportionately favoured individuals connected to those in power,” William said in a statement seen by Dawn on Friday.
William alleged that the officials prioritise their sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, brothers, and sisters in key appointments.
“We are deeply concerned that many of the appointed individuals lack the necessary qualifications and experience for their roles, with their only apparent merit being their familial ties to the elite,” William said.
He claimed that similar patterns of hiring and appointments have been observed in various state entities, including the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), the Bank of South Sudan, Nile Petroleum, and others.
“This blatant disregard for meritocracy undermines the integrity of our institutions and the confidence of the South Sudanese people in their government.”
The outspoken politician asserted that such practices not only perpetuate a cycle of favoritism and corruption but also hinder the development of a competent and effective workforce that the nation desperately needs.
“The continued prioritisation of personal connections over qualifications and merit poses a significant threat to national stability and may ultimately lead to widespread discontent and unrest,” he said.
He called upon the government to immediately cease these nepotistic practices.
“The people of South Sudan deserve a government that is accountable, transparent, and committed to the principles of equity and justice,” he said.
He urged all stakeholders to advocate for reforms that prioritise merit-based appointments and to hold those in power accountable for their actions.
