R-TGoNU Initiates Downsizing Process in South Sudan

By Majur Chol Khor 

South Sudan’s Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) is set to undergo a downsizing process in order to streamline operations and promote efficiency. 

The decision comes as the power-sharing agreement remains intact with no extensions deemed acceptable.

Under the downsized government, President Salva Kiir Mayardit will continue to serve as the President of the Republic of South Sudan. However, the number of Vice Presidents will be reduced from four to one, with Dr. Riek Machar Teny retaining his position as Vice President.

The downsizing will also result in changes to the roles of the four affected Vice Presidents. 

Dr. James Wani Igga will return to the parliament as the Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA). 

Taban Deng Gai will either be appointed as the Governor of Unity or serve as an advisor. 

Hussein Adhalbagi Akol is expected to become the Governor of Northern Bhar el Ghazal or take on an advisory role. 

Lastly, Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior will be appointed as the Governor of Jonglei State or serve as an advisor.

The TNLA, which consists of members from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), will see a reduction in its membership from the current number to 332 members, in accordance with the act. Additionally, the specialized committees of the TNLA will also be downsized.

The Council of Ministers will be reduced from 35 members to 25, aligning with the goal of a lean government as stipulated in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Similarly, the number of Deputy Ministers will be reduced from 10 to 7.

The Council of States will undergo a reduction in membership from 100 to 66, with one Deputy Speaker. The Speaker position will be allocated to the SSOA parties.

Notably, the downsizing process will not affect Governors, Chief Administrators, and Commissioners.

The number of members in the states legislative assemblies should be reduced from the current 100 to 60.

Similarly, the state council of ministers should be downsized from its current number to just 12 ministers.

The downsizing of the TGoNU is believed to aims on creating a more efficient and effective government structure, in line with the revitalization efforts. It is expected that this move will contribute to the stability and progress of South Sudan’s transitional period.

Author: Majur Chol Khor

Majur is a multi-media award-winning journalist, public relations specialist, documentary expert from South Sudan. You can easily connect with him through various platforms such as WhatsApp at +254 796 523 948, email at majurcholkhor@gmail.com, and social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.