President Kiir relieves Revenue Authority commissioner Africano Mande
Mande, a seasoned public servant, has been at the helm of the South Sudan’s revenue administration, his tenure coming at a time of various regional changes
By Emmanuel Mandella
In a major reshuffle, President Salva Kiir has relieved Africano Mande Gedima of his duties as the Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA). The announcement, made in a presidential decree on state broadcaster SSBC on Wednesday evening, marks the end of Mande’s tenure in one of the country’s most critical agencies.
Simon Akuei, the Secretary General of South Sudan’s Chamber of Commerce, has been appointed as his replacement.
Africano Mande, a seasoned public servant, has changed at the revenue body. He was first appointed Deputy Commissioner General of the SSRA during the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU). Recognized for his dedication, Mande was elevated to Commissioner General a year ago, where he spearheaded efforts to streamline tax collection and combat illicit financial practices.
Mande recently represented South Sudan in the East Africa Revenue Authority Conference in Nairobi, a key forum for regional tax collaboration and harmonization. His participation underscored South Sudan’s commitment to enhancing revenue systems and integrating with the broader East African economic community.
Beyond his contributions to the revenue authority, Mande has an extensive record of public service. He served as the first Governor of the defunct Maridi State, where he championed local development initiatives and fostered community resilience amid post-conflict recovery challenges.
The decision to replace Mande has drawn mixed reactions. While some view the move as part of President Kiir’s broader strategy to breathe new life to state institutions, others see it as an abrupt shift that could disrupt ongoing reforms within the SSRA.
Simon Akuei, Mande’s successor, brings his own credentials as a business leader and administrator, having served as Secretary General of the Chamber of Commerce. His appointment signals a potential pivot toward fostering closer collaboration between government revenue agencies and the private sector.
“Mande laid the groundwork for a more transparent and efficient revenue authority, and his efforts in regional engagement have positioned South Sudan for future growth,” expressed an anonymous state official to The City Review on Wednesday evening following the announcement.
As Mande exits the scene, and Akue takes helm, the ball is in the court of the new Commissioner General to lift the lid and steer the body to success.