(Panrieng) – The Chief Administrator of the Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA), Stephano Wieu de Mialek, has officially relieved Paulino Jau Thon Deng from his role as Advisor on Political Affairs in a move that marks a significant change within the region’s political leadership.
The decision was announced through Administrative Decree No. 11/2025, which was signed on Friday, 27 June 2025, in the regional capital, Panrieng. The decree took immediate effect from the date of announcement.
While no formal reason was stated in the decree for the dismissal, sources familiar with internal affairs suggest that growing political disagreements and strategic plans for restructuring may have contributed to the move. The Chief Administrator has not made any public statements elaborating on the decision.
Hon. Paulino Jau Thon Deng had been serving as a key figure within the RAA government, playing a central role in political coordination and often acting as a liaison between the administrative area and the national leadership in Juba. His dismissal could indicate shifts in political direction or alliances within the region.
Observers believe the move forms part of a broader realignment effort by the Chief Administrator, who is thought to be reshaping the governance and advisory structure to better align with the area’s evolving priorities. The RAA has recently emphasised administrative efficiency and enhanced service delivery, particularly in areas affected by intercommunal tensions and economic pressure.
At the time of reporting, no replacement had been named for the vacant advisory post, but local sources expect further changes to be announced soon, possibly involving additional restructuring of key positions within the administration.
Political reshuffles like this are not uncommon in South Sudan’s decentralised governance system, where regional dynamics and local power balances often shift in response to wider political considerations at both state and national levels.
The Ruweng Administrative Area, which borders the oil rich Unity State, remains a politically sensitive region, especially given its strategic importance in resource management and its past role in national dialogue efforts. Leadership changes in such areas can have implications beyond the administrative boundaries, particularly for governance and peacebuilding efforts.
