18/09/2024
The Office of the President has clarified that President Salva Kiir did not order the demotion of Wunrok Payam's paramount chief.
Last week, Warrap State Governor Kuol Muor Muor demoted Paramount Chief Deng Mayen Deng of Wunrok Payam, appointing Rehan Cyer Rehan as the new paramount chief, with Deng Mayen being relegated to deputy chief. The appointment letter issued by the State Minister of Local Government claimed that the change was directed by President Kiir, through the Minister of Presidential Affairs.
This move sparked opposition from the Adiang section of Wunrok Payam in Twic County.
In response, the Office of the President issued a statement, signed by Presidential Press Secretary Lily Adhieu, denying any presidential involvement in the demotion. The statement read, "The President did not instruct the Minister or the Governor, nor does he intervene in local government or traditional leadership matters in any Payam or Boma in South Sudan."
Adhieu further emphasized that while President Kiir supports traditional authorities and state governments, he respects the established chain of command regarding the succession, promotion, and transfer of powers within traditional leadership structures.
She also called on Governor Muor to adhere to legal procedures when implementing such changes at the state level, prior to involving the national leadership.
Following the circulation of the demotion letter, Adiang community leaders in Wunrok convened and rejected the decision, which was initially attributed to the president.