Kiir Dismisses South Sudan Standards Bureau Chief and Petroleum Authority Head

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed two senior government officials in Republican decrees issued on Friday, March 6, 2026. The changes involved the leadership of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) and the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority (PEPA).

Key points

• Gloria Nyoka Joseph Lagu was removed as Executive Director of the SSNBS and Secretary to its Council.
• Eng. Joseph Esbon Waiwai was removed as Director General of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority in the Ministry of Petroleum.
• Oiylang Dominic Kanuto was appointed as the new Executive Director of the SSNBS.
• Eng. Lual Chol Dak was appointed as the new Director General of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority.
• The changes are part of the government’s ongoing reshuffle of senior positions in key national institutions.

Why it matters

These leadership changes affect critical institutions regulating product standards and overseeing the country's vital oil sector, signaling administrative adjustments aimed at strengthening public service delivery.