21/06/2026
MICHAEL MAKUEI'S TRANSFER WAS THE RIGHT DECISION AT THE RIGHT TIME.
President Salva Kiir's decision to remove Michael Makuei Lueth from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and transfer him to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is not only justified but a long overdue and consequential administrative decision in regard to prevailing circumstances in South Sudan.
The Justice & Constitutional Affairs Ministry demands professionalism, impartiality and respect for the rule of law. Michael Makuei's tenure was too often defined by controversy, confrontation and an apparent inability to separate personal emotions from public duty. Instead of reassuring citizens, he frequently responded to legitimate concerns with arrogance and dismissive rhetoric. A very good example is the case of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel Vs Government of South Sudan where lawyers of detained former Vice President demanded permission from the Ministry of justice as required by the law to sue the government over unclear detention of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel without due process of the court. Instead, Michael Makuei declined to grant permission without clear constitutional grounds and alledged that the letter presented by the lawyers was disrespectful and appeared in public before it reaches the office of the Ministry. He further went on to make accrimonous exchanges with lead Counsel Kiir Chol. This wasn’t just unconstitutional process but an abuse of highest and sensivtive office of the land.
Similiarly, South Sudanese have not forgotten various controversial statements that appeared insensitive to citizens struggling with economic hardship nor have they forgotten a pattern of combative responses to criticism and public grievances when Michael Makuei was the Minister of Information, Telecommunication & Postal Services. Instead of inspiring hope, confidence and address pressing issues through constructive engagements, Hon. Minister was fueling public frustration through infamous utterances. For example at one time when citizens were struggling with rising costs of communication services, he infamously suggested that people who found airtime expensive could simply stop purchasing mobile phones. In separate occasion when asked which month could salaries be considered after government employees had spent months without salaries, Makuei controversially said you can place it in whatever month you like. Such comments created the impression of a leader disconnected from the daily struggles of ordinary citizens.
Leadership requires humility, patience and accountability. At this critical moment, South Sudan need leaders who listen before they speak, reason before they react and serve before they command. I recognize, respect and appreciate the liberation legacy and post independence conflict leadership of Hon. Makuei Michael Lueth and much as citizens celebrated, appreciated and recognized his aggressive approach on certain matters and on certain times, Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs being sensitive institution is not a fit for him with his rhetoric and aggressive behavior.
The decision to transfer him from the Justice Ministry is an opportunity to restore public confidence in the administration of justice. The new stewardship of Dr Wek Mamer should create room for a new approach within the ministry which prioritize legal reasoning over political rhetoric, professionalism over personal emotion, service over confrontation and promote justice for all.
Respectfully Submitted,
Molana Dhel Diing Nhial
