Hon. David Nyang, Former Minister of Cabinet Affairs (UNS)
Juba, February 9, 2026
By Savanna Radio Editorial…
Hon. David Nyang Kueth, State Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Upper Nile State in South Sudan, has resigned with immediate effect, citing the national government’s inability to safeguard civilians amid escalating violence. In a statement released early Monday, Nyang accused the central authorities of failing to curb armed clashes and aerial bombardments in Upper Nile, where government forces have used incendiary weapons, killing dozens, including children, in areas like Nasir and Longechuk. He highlighted the collapse of unified security forces along ethnic lines, rendering the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement ineffective.
“I have reached the painful conclusion that I can no longer, in good conscience, continue to serve in a government that inflicts harm on its own citizens, deepens tribal polarization, and perpetuates their suffering rather than providing them with security, justice, and dignity,” Nyang said in a statement. Nyang further stated, “As I have often said, and I repeat here: ‘A government that fails to protect its citizens has lost its legitimacy.’
Nyang further explained that he would be complicit if he remained in the office. “The continued violence, displacement, and neglect witnessed across the country demand moral and political accountability from those of us in positions of leadership. It has become increasingly clear that the current system has strayed from the principles of service, justice, and accountability for which our people have sacrificed so much. Remaining in office under these conditions would amount to a silent endorsement of a system that no longer represents the aspirations or well-being of our people”.
Hon. David Nyang Kueth is a South Sudanese politician who served as the State Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Upper Nile State, based in Malakal, where he managed governmental coordination and addressed local challenges like climate impacts on education amid ongoing political tensions. Hon. Nyang’s political ideology centers on peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and inclusive governance in South Sudan, emphasizing implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement through unified security forces, power-sharing, and dialogue between factions like those of President Salva Kiir and Riek Machar. As a prominent opposition figure with the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) and later State Minister of Cabinet Affairs in Upper Nile, he has advocated against tribal divisions in the military, pushed for state-level governments to curb ethnic violence, and stressed political will for reforms like anti-corruption audits and decentralized authority to address marginalization. His resignation underscores a pragmatic yet critical stance toward the unity government, prioritizing civilian protection and institutional rebuilding over factional loyalty.
Nyang thanked the people of Upper Nile and his colleagues in the government. “I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the people of Upper Nile State, my colleagues in government, and all those who have supported my tenure in public service. My decision to resign is not out of personal grievance, but out of a deep sense of duty and conviction that genuine change begins with truth and courage”.
South Sudan’s political landscape is deteriorating with intensified inter-communal violence in Upper Nile State, subnational clashes, and arrests of opposition figures like Riek Machar on treason charges, straining the unity government. Recent events include the UNMISS withdrawal from Malakal’s protection camp and reports of at least 58 civilian deaths from indiscriminate attacks.
The government has conducted aerial strikes in opposition-held areas, destroying infrastructure and causing burns and deaths among vulnerable groups, amid broader human rights abuses by the National Security Service. Nyang’s exit underscores fears of renewed civil war, as tribal divisions deepen and basic services falter.
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