South Sudan: Uproar as Salva Kiir Names Daughter as Presidential Envoy
- South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has appointed his daughter, Adut Salva Kiir, as the presidential envoy on special programmes
- The position, vacant since February, has played a crucial role in coordinating peacebuilding and several other critical undertakings
- Adut, who also runs a foundation in her name, now steps into a politically sensitive role that works closely with the presidency
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Juba is once again gripped by heated discussion after President Salva Kiir named his daughter, Adut Salva Kiir, as the new presidential envoy on special programmes.
Source: Getty Images
The announcement was broadcast on state television Sudan National Broadcasting Corporation (SNBC) on Wednesday evening.
It immediately stirred questions about governance, influence, and the balance between family ties and public service in South Sudan’s political space.
Why was Kiir's daughter appointed to government role?
The position had been vacant since February, when its previous holder, Benjamin Bol Mel, was elevated to the presidency.
He took over as vice president and chairman of the economic cluster, replacing James Wani Igga.
Adut’s entry into the post marks a return of active leadership in an office seen as central to South Sudan’s fragile state-building journey.
Adut is not entirely new to public life. Beyond her political family background, she is the founder of the Adut Salva Kiir Foundation, an organisation that has engaged in community-focused initiatives.
Supporters pointed to her charitable work as evidence of her capacity to deliver, while critics argued that the appointment strengthens perceptions of nepotism in a country still working to solidify democratic institutions.
The office of the presidential envoy on special programmes carries significant weight in South Sudan’s governance.
Here are some of the reactions:
Hopewell Chino'no:
"Meanwhile in South Sudan, ailing President Salva Kiir has appointed his daughter to a top government position🤣🤣. His other sons were appointed before her a few months ago.
"What is wrong with us Africans? This is Comedy Central in Juba, the great Garang Garang must be turning in his grave.
"A country that is run like a tuck shop, like South Sudan, will find it difficult to develop and grow its economy. "
Thuli:
"We have a problem of politicians running our countries as old kings in Afrika , they behave as is our countries belongs to them , their friends and families."
Zimleague:
It's now a family affair: sons in top posts, daughter as envoy. When leaders treat nations like private estates, institutions crumble and progress stalls. Africa needs systems—not dynasties—to earn global respect and build lasting change."
What is the role of presidential envoy on special programmes?
According to Sudans Post, the post was created to address national priorities requiring direct oversight from the presidency.
The envoy’s role is therefore to act as a bridge, ensuring swift implementation of tasks that might otherwise be slowed by bureaucratic obstacles.
Over the years, the work of the envoy has touched on peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery, including the reintegration of displaced persons, the rehabilitation of war-affected areas, and the delivery of basic services such as health and education.
The office has also played a hand in overseeing projects aimed at rebuilding infrastructure, strengthening food security, and promoting programmes for youth and women.
Adut’s appointment comes at a delicate moment. South Sudan continues to face challenges ranging from the delayed implementation of the peace agreement to economic hardship and humanitarian crises.
While some citizens viewed her entry into the role as a chance to inject new energy and visibility into the presidency’s special programmes, others remain wary of what they view as entrenched family dominance in state appointments.
Source: UGC
Who struck UN rescue chopper in South Sudan?
The appointment comes at a time when the country is reeling from a fresh crisis after a United Nations evacuation helicopter was attacked in Upper Nile State.
The aircraft was on a mission to rescue wounded South Sudanese soldiers in the town of Nasir when it came under heavy fire.
The assault left a UN crew member dead alongside army general Majur Dak and dozens of government soldiers. The helicopter was operated by the UN Mission in South Sudan, which had launched the operation after both government and opposition forces agreed to allow safe passage.
Reports indicated that the White Army militia, linked to factions loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar, was behind the attack.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
