FULL LIST: Mabior Garang Appointed as Kiir Reshuffles Cabinet

President Salva Kiir’s latest cabinet reshuffle has placed renewed attention on Mabior Garang de-Mabior, the outspoken son of South Sudan’s founding leader, as political realignments intensify within the transitional government.

While the headline announcement from the reshuffle was the return of James Wani Igga as Vice President, political observers say the more symbolic development is Mabior’s re-emergence in the national conversation. His presence — whether inside or outside government — has long been a barometer of tensions between factions loyal to Kiir and those aligned with the legacy of the late Dr. John Garang.

Mabior, a former Deputy Minister of Interior, previously stepped down from the unity government citing frustrations over what he described as a lack of political will to implement key provisions of the peace agreement. His exit underscored deep divisions within the ruling coalition and signaled his growing discomfort with the direction of the state.

Yet despite past clashes — including a widely publicized confrontation where he was ejected from a cabinet session over “dress code violations” — Mabior has remained an influential figure. His political messaging continues to resonate, especially among youth and communities who regard the Garang legacy as central to South Sudan’s nation-building vision.

In recent months, Mabior has projected himself as a champion of reconciliation, urging South Sudanese to move beyond personalities and prioritize peace for the sake of the people, not political elites. He has also increasingly spoken about the need for economic transformation, particularly through agriculture, echoing long-standing principles associated with his father.

Analysts interpret his renewed visibility during the reshuffle period as significant. Some believe Kiir’s political circle may be attempting to neutralize Garang-aligned influence at a time when the country navigates a delicate transition. Others argue that bringing Mabior closer to the center could help bridge the fractured political landscape.

For now, Mabior remains a compelling figure — one rooted in history but navigating a volatile political present. As President Kiir reorganizes his administration, the role of the Garang heir will be closely watched, with many seeing his next steps as a key indicator of South Sudan’s shifting political balance.

Summary of Presidential Decrees

Major Appointment

H.E. James Wani Igga appointed as 2nd Vice President for the Economic Cluster and 1st Deputy Chairman of the SPLM.

Officials Relieved from Their Positions

1. Michael Makuei Lueth – Minister of Information

2. Joseph Geng Akec – Minister of Justice

3. Simon Mijok Mijak – Minister of Roads and Bridges

4. Josephine Napon – Minister of Environment

5. Rabi Mijong Emmanuel – Governor of Central Equatoria State

New Appointments

1. Peter Lam Both – Minister of Roads and Bridges

2. Michael Makuei Lueth – Minister of Justice

3. Ateny Wek Ateny – Minister of Information

4. Mabior Garang – Minister of Environment

5. Emmanuel Adil Anthony – Governor of Central Equatoria State

6. Amb. Achol Abel Aguek – Reinstated as Grade One Ambassador and appointed Presidential Envoy to the Middle East