Drama at Ministry of Trade as Atong suspends technical officials
Gloria Nyoka Joseph, the Executive Director of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS), was suspended for alleged mismanagement of resources, unprofessional conduct, divisive politics, and undermining the authority of the Minister. In a ministerial order, Atong cited these issues as the basis for Nyoka’s suspension.
“I, Atong Kuol Manyang, Minister of Trade and Industry in the Revitalised Transitional Government, hereby issue Ministerial Order No. 12/2025 for the suspension of Hon. Executive Director Gloria Nyoka Joseph,” the order stated.
“The suspension is due to mismanagement of resources at the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards, unprofessional conduct, divisive politics, and undermining the Minister’s office, effective immediately upon my signature.”
Minister Atong appointed Aldo Upiou Juady, Senior Director General, to act as interim Executive Director of SSNBS pending the completion of an investigation into Nyoka’s conduct.
“The Hon. Executive Director of SSNBS is suspended pending investigation, and Aldo Upiou Juady, Senior Director General, is to act in her place,” Atong directed. She further instructed security agencies to ensure the swift enforcement of the order.
When reached for comment, Gloria Nyoka confirmed receiving the suspension order and described it as an administrative matter.
“Yes, I have received the order. This is an administrative issue, so I will wait to see what happens next. I don’t have much to add at this time and will await further action,” Nyoka stated.
The suspension comes at a time when the SSNBS has been intensifying efforts to curb the influx of substandard goods into South Sudan, particularly products unfit for human consumption.
In June 2025 alone, the Bureau intercepted and returned five trucks to their country of origin—two carrying insect-infested sorghum and three loaded with maize flour contaminated with high levels of aflatoxin.
Similarly, in May, SSNBS blocked 11 fuel trucks at the Nimule border crossing after they failed to meet East African standards, resulting in their re-exportation. The SSNBS has repeatedly emphasised its commitment to ensuring that only quality-assured, standards-compliant products enter the South Sudanese market.
In a separate but related development, Minister Atong also suspended Undersecretary John Achier Manyuat, accusing him of insubordination, indiscipline, and intimidation.
Notably, undersecretaries in South Sudan are appointed by the President and can only be dismissed through a presidential decree, typically upon a minister’s recommendation, raising questions about the procedural implications of this suspension.
sudanspost.com