NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE (NADC)
OFFICE OF THE ALLIANCE SPOKESPERSON
OFFICIAL PRESS STATEMENT
22 October 2026
SOUTH SUDAN NEEDS INSTITUTIONAL REFORM, NOT ENDLESS CABINET RESHUFFLES
The National Alliance for Democratic Change (NADC) takes note of President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to relieve Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro of his duties as Minister of Cabinet Affairs and appoint Ambassador Bol Wek Agoth as his successor.
While NADC recognises the constitutional prerogative of the President to appoint and dismiss national ministers, we maintain that executive authority must be exercised in the public interest, guided by institutional accountability, and directed towards measurable improvements in governance.
Our position is founded on three fundamental principles.
- CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY
The appointment and dismissal of ministers are recognised executive functions under South Sudan’s constitutional framework.
However, constitutional authority does not exempt the government from political accountability.
Dr. Martin Elia Lomuro served in the Cabinet Affairs portfolio for approximately eighteen years and was retained during the September 2026 government restructuring.
His subsequent dismissal raises a legitimate public question:
What circumstances justified his retention in September and his removal less than one month later?
NADC considers it reasonable for citizens to expect an explanation of the government’s performance expectations and the administrative objectives behind such decisions.
- DELAYED CORRECTIVE ACTION IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
South Sudan’s governance challenges did not emerge yesterday.
For years, citizens have experienced insecurity, economic hardship, interruptions in public-sector salaries, and inadequate essential services.
These challenges require sustained institutional responses rather than reliance on changes in individual officeholders.
The central political question is not simply who occupies the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, but whether the government has established effective mechanisms for monitoring performance, identifying administrative weaknesses, and implementing timely corrective measures.
A government should not wait for institutional problems to become national crises before taking corrective action.
NADC maintains that effective leadership requires anticipation, prevention, and accountability—not continuous administrative reshuffling.
- THE NADC ALTERNATIVE: PREVENTIVE GOVERNANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL STABILITY
If entrusted with national leadership through a legitimate democratic mandate, NADC would advocate a fundamentally different approach to public administration.
Our proposed governance priorities would include:
First: Early Intervention and Performance Accountability
Introduce clearly defined ministerial performance agreements, periodic institutional reviews, and transparent corrective procedures to identify administrative failures before they escalate.
Second: Decentralised Administrative Responsibility
Empower competent ministers and established public institutions to discharge their lawful responsibilities without unnecessary presidential involvement in routine administrative decisions.
The presidency should provide national strategic direction, constitutional oversight, and executive coordination rather than become the centre of every administrative decision.
Third: Institutional Continuity and Public-Service Delivery
Strengthen merit-based appointments, lawful oversight, professional public administration, and continuity of government programmes.
Public resources and administrative attention must prioritise timely payment of salaries, national security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic recovery.
OUR NATIONAL POSITION
NADC believes that political leadership must be judged by the effectiveness of institutions, the accountability of public officials, and the quality of services delivered to citizens.
Changing ministers may be constitutionally permissible, but sustainable governance requires more than replacing individuals.
South Sudan needs a government that identifies problems early, acts before crises develop, and allows institutions to function without constant political intervention.
Our alternative is a system in which public institutions are governed by law, leadership is accountable for results, and national development is not dependent on repeated changes in political appointments.
The measure of leadership is not how frequently officials are replaced, but how effectively institutions serve the nation.
Issued by:
Ernest Ogwaro
Alliance Spokesperson and Advisor to the Chairman
National Alliance for Democratic Change (NADC)
For leadership review and authorisation before official publication.
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