President Appoints Dead Man — Then Sacks Aides for Sleeping on the Job

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has sacked two senior aides, David Amour Major and Valentino Dhel Maluet, after he appointed a dead man, Steward Soroba Budia, to a panel leading election discussions.

David Amour Major has been press secretary  while Valentino Dhel Maluet was the chief administrator in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

Budia, a member of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), passed away five years ago, but Kiir appointed him on January 30, sparking widespread ridicule on social media.

The president’s office blamed “stakeholders” for the mistake, saying they didn’t verify names properly.

The appointment raises concerns about the country’s election readiness, as conflict continues and over 180,000 people have been displaced.

Jonglei state is particularly affected, with the army clashing with forces aligned to suspended Vice-President Riek Machar, who’s on trial for murder, treason, and crimes against humanity