President Salva Kiir Directs Minister of Agriculture to Improve Food Production

President Salva Kiir Mayardit directed the newly Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Hussein Abdelbagi to boost food production in the country after the latter and several appointed officials took oath on Thursday.

Hon. Hussein Abdelbagi was relieved on February 10, 2025, as Vice President for Service Cluster, and replaced with Josephine Lagu, who was then the agriculture minister.

Hon. Abdelbagi was sworn in with several officials including South Sudan’s ambassador to Kuwait Tut Gatluak Manime, and a member of the Civil Aviation Authority Rabi Mojong Emmanuel.

President Salva Kiir reportedly promised the new officials full support of his administration to the newly appointed officials as they embark on their duties.

According to president office, the president empathized on the urgent need to advance agriculture and attain sustainable food production mechanisms as the only remedial approach to the country’s economic recovery agenda.

“The government hopes that the new officials will bring in fresh perspectives and renewed energy to their respective roles, contributing to the overall development and stability of the nation ahead of the slated polls,” it said.

Other relieved officials include Director General of National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau Gen. Akec Tong Aleu, who is succeeded by Charles Chiech Mayor in acting capacity.

The president further removed Western Equatoria Governor Alfred Futuyo Karaba and National Minister of Health Yolanda Awel without replacements.

President Kiir initiated the mass reshuffle a day after he returned from a week-long trip to the United Arab Emirates where he held bilateral talks with the Gulf Kingdom’s leaders.