Kiir reshuffles leadership in GPAA, aviation and petroleum sectors

The changes saw key leaders, including Greater Pibor Administrative Area’s Gola Boyoi, Civil Aviation’s Cpt. David Subek among other directors at the country’s petroleum sector

By Emmanuel Mandella

President Salva Kiir, on Wednesday, made changes across key sectors, dismissing top leadership in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), the civil aviation sector, and petroleum.

Through Presidential decrees read on the state broadcast, SSBC, Kiir relieved Gola Boyoi Gola from his position as Chief Administrator of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), where he had served for nearly nine months. Gola, who assumed the role on April 16, 2024, has been replaced by Peter Guzulo Maze. The reasons behind the sudden leadership change were not immediately disclosed.

President Kiir also dismissed Captain David Subek, who served as Director General and Chief Executive of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority (SSCAA). Subek exited, leaving his shoes to be occupied by John Woja Elinana. Following the dismissal of the top leader in the Aviation Authority, the head of state then dissolved and reconstituted the SSCAA Board of Directors, appointing Addis Ababa Otho as the new Chairperson.

The newly appointed board members of SSCAA include: Addis Ababa Othow as chairperson, the Undersecretary in the Ministry of Transport as member, Commander, Head of Legal Team, SSCAA, as member, Maria Lotua as a member representing Business Management, a representative of Internal Security Bureau (ISB)/NSS as member, SSPDF Airforce Commander, Brig. Gen. Garang Deng Door as member and John Woja Elinana, the Director General/CEO of SSCAA as Secretary.

Changes were also done at the petroleum sector, where the Director Generals of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authorities were dismissed, signaling a broader restructuring effort, which saw the exit of Kon John Akot, in charge of oil and gas exploration and production in the Ministry of Petroleum.

Further decrees touched the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, where Dr. Gabriel Isaac Awow was replaced by Honorable Mary James Ajith as Undersecretary. Additionally, Amir Madol Majak was relieved as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, Museums, and National Heritage, with Malok Majak taking the helm.

This high-level reshuffle reflects President Kiir’s continued efforts to recalibrate leadership in critical sectors to bolster governance and service delivery.

Speaking on the developments, one of the country’s political analysts stated:

“These changes indicate a strategic move by the presidency to inject fresh leadership. The impact will depend on how effectively the new appointees address longstanding sector challenges.”

Observers await the policy direction and reforms these new leaders will implement as South Sudan grapples with pressing issues in aviation safety, justice reform, and oil production governance.