Kiir says next cabinet appointment to be based on qualifications, not tribal representation
July 22, 2011 (JUBA) – The first President of the newly born Republic of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has announced that his next government will be formed based on qualifications of candidates and not on tribal representation.
- Salva Kiir (Reuters)
Kiir made his intention clear on Thursday while addressing officers of the organised forces in Juba.
Last week the president of the new state also said the next cabinet would be lean and broad-based in order to effectively deliver services to the people of the region.
The previous Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) was composed of 32 ministers who are currently caretaker ministers in their respective portfolios. Out of the 32 ministers, 12 are from the Dinka ethnic group and 6 from Nuer community, leaving only 14 positions for the rest of the communities of the region.
It is not yet clear whether or not the appointments of the coming broad-based and lean government based on “qualifications” as intended by the president may also end up giving more ministerial positions to one or two ethnic groups or consider ethnic diversity.
The special representative of the United Nations Secretary General, Hilde Johnson, in an interview with South Sudan TV on Wednesday called on the new nation to work for inclusiveness in government, good governance and rule of law in order to secure a “solid foundation”.
Johnson said there was also need to consider ethnic diversity in the new nation.
However, Kiir told the organised forces that tribal representation would be effected at the state level, not at the national level.
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