Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol, National minister of Finance and Planning speaking during the reception ceremony in Juba on Monday, August 7, 2023 | Credit | Daniel Garang Deng/TRC
President Salva Kiir reappointed Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol as
Minister of Finance and Planning on Monday, replacing Athian Ding Athian, in a
series of presidential decrees broadcast on SSBC.
Dr. Bak previously served in the same role from 3 August 2023 until 15 March 2024, when he was replaced by Awow Daniel Chuang. He advocated for radical reforms within the Ministry of Finance in his 2023 agenda, although he was unable to achieve them.
His reappointment comes as part of a major government reshuffle that included several key changes within the National Government.
Madut Dut Yel, the Presidential Advisor on National Security Affairs, was relieved of his duties and replaced by Tut Gatluak Manime.
Ambassador Chol Mawut Ajonga, the Minister of Presidential Affairs, was relieved and replaced by Africano Mande Gidema.
Engineer Deng Lual Wol, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Petroleum, was dismissed and replaced with Dr. Chol Thon Abel.
Ambassador Ajiing Deng Ajiing, the Executive Director in the Office of the President, was relieved, and Deng Wal Achien was reappointed to the position.
Major Valentino Baak Makuei was relieved as Commander of the Tiger Division and replaced with Lieutenant General Phillip Nyon Nyon.
Ambassador Rita Kiden Lutua was assigned as South Sudan’s Ambassador to Rwanda.