JUBA, South Sudan — President Salva Kiir has appointed his daughter, Adut Salva Kiir, as First Presidential Envoy for Special Programs, a senior post that places her inside the president’s inner circle despite her lack of prior government experience.
The move sparked wide debate among political and civil society circles, drawing criticism from rights groups and analysts who called it a clear example of nepotism and a sign of growing political dynasties in South Sudan.
Adut Kiir, who recently entered humanitarian work through her non-profit, the Adut Salva Kiir Foundation, has never held a government position. She replaces Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who was promoted to vice president in February.
Pattern of Family Appointments
Her appointment follows similar moves benefiting children of other prominent liberation-era leaders. Among them are the son of former Vice President James Wani Igga, the daughter of presidential advisor Gen. Kuol Manyang, and the daughter of Gen. Daniel Awet Akot. Analysts say the pattern points to a concentration of power within elite families.
“This is the recycling of power into narrow family circles,” political analyst James Boboya told Radio Tamazuj. He warned that as political influence wanes, leaders pass authority to relatives, concentrating resources and decision-making in small networks. Boboya said the practice undermines public trust, sidelines qualified professionals, and threatens prospects for good governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
Civil Society Concern
Civil society groups also condemned the decision. Rights activist Tier Manyang Gatwich called it “a blatant case of favoritism,” noting that while such appointments are not new, elevating the president’s daughter without open competition is “particularly unfair.” He stressed that many educated young South Sudanese remain unemployed and that merit, not family background, should guide state appointments.
Gatwich urged the government to reflect national diversity in appointments, warning against restricting leadership roles to children of the ruling elite.
“A Political Test”
Edmund Yakani, head of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), said Adut Kiir must now prove herself in the role. “Her performance will be under close public scrutiny,” he said.
Yakani described the post as highly political and urged Kiir’s daughter to use it to serve the public good, help advance the country’s fragile peace process, and promote accountability. He cautioned against repeating examples where relatives of presidents in other countries failed to deliver national service.
“This appointment represents a decisive political test,” said Yakani. “Adut Kiir must rise above
