President Salva Kiir has appointed Sarah Cleto Rial as the new National Minister of Health, replacing Yolanda Awel Deng, who previously held the position under the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) ticket.
The appointment, announced through a presidential decree read on state television, comes nearly five months after the post became vacant—an absence that many health sector stakeholders described as a critical leadership vacuum during a time of growing public health challenges in the country.
Sarah Cleto transitions to her new national role from her previous position as Governor of Western Bahr el Ghazal State. Her leadership in the state was marked by public service reforms and efforts to stabilize service delivery, especially in health and education sectors.
Her appointment comes at a politically sensitive time for SPLM-IO. The party has faced internal divisions since its Chairman and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar was placed under what has been described as house arrest in March. In his absence, Minister of Peacebuilding Stephen Par Kuol has taken over as interim leader.
Despite these divisions, Cleto is believed to be among SPLM-IO officials who remain committed to the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement. Her elevation to a key national ministry is seen by some analysts as an effort to maintain inclusivity and preserve the spirit of the peace accord, while ensuring continuity in essential government functions.
The Ministry of Health now faces renewed expectations to address pressing issues, including routine immunization gaps, cholera outbreaks, health worker strikes, and the need to rebuild confidence in public health systems nationwide.
The public and international partners alike will be closely watching how Minister Cleto navigates these challenges in her new role.
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