Office of the Vice President - Service Delivery Cluster

REMARKS BY H.E. THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH SUDAN AND CHAIRPERSON FOR SERVICE DELIVERY CLUSTER ON THE OCCASION OF INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY – 1ST MAY 2026 AT JUBA NATIONAL STADIUM

It is a great honor and privilege for me to stand before you today at this historic occasion, having been delegated by His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E Salva Kiir Mayardit to officially represent him in celebrating International Labour Day here at Juba International Stadium. I convey to you his warm greetings and unwavering solidarity with all workers across our beloved nation.

Today, we join the global community in commemorating International Labour Day a day that transcends borders, cultures, and professions. It is a day dedicated to recognizing the dignity of labor, the rights of workers, and the invaluable contributions they make to the growth and prosperity of nations. This day reminds us that behind every milestone of progress lies the effort, sacrifice, and resilience of hardworking men and women. It is also a moment to reaffirm our shared commitment to fairness, equity, and respect in all workplaces. Labour Day is not only a celebration, but also a call to action to strengthen systems that protect workers, promote opportunity, and ensure that no one is left behind.

In the context of South Sudan, this day carries even deeper meaning. As a young nation, we are in the process of building and rebuilding our institutions, our economy, and our social fabric. Our workforce comprising civil servants, farmers, teachers, healthcare workers, security personnel, entrepreneurs, and laborers in every sector, remains the backbone of our national development. Despite challenges, our people continue to demonstrate resilience, determination, and hope. Their daily efforts, often under difficult circumstances, are laying the foundation for a stronger and more stable future. Today, we honor their courage and reaffirm our responsibility as a government to support, empower, and protect them.

Productivity and the protection of workers must go hand in hand. A productive nation is one where workers are motivated, fairly treated, and provided with safe and conducive working environments. The Government of South Sudan recognizes that sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without investing in our human capital. This means strengthening labor laws, ensuring compliance with international standards, promoting occupational safety, and safeguarding workers' rights. It also means creating an enabling environment where innovation, efficiency, and accountability can thrive. When workers are protected, valued, and empowered, productivity naturally increases, and the nation prospers.
Equally important is the urgent need to expand job creation opportunities, particularly for the youth of South Sudan. Our young people are our greatest asset, they are energetic, talented, and full of potential.

However, without meaningful opportunities, that potential remains untapped. The government is committed to working with partners in the public and private sectors to create sustainable employment through investment in agriculture, infrastructure, education, technology, and entrepreneurship. We must equip our youth with relevant skills, support small and medium enterprises, and encourage innovation that drives economic diversification. By doing so, we not only create jobs but also foster self-reliance, stability, and long-term national growth.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
As we celebrate this important day, let us renew our collective commitment to building a labor system that is inclusive, productive, and protective. A system where every worker regardless of gender, age, or background has equal opportunity to contribute and succeed. A system that values hard work, rewards merit, and ensures dignity for all. A system that protects the vulnerable while encouraging excellence and innovation.

The Government of South Sudan remains steadfast in its dedication to strengthening institutions, improving working conditions, and expanding opportunities for all citizens. Together, through unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility, we can build a future where the fruits of labor are enjoyed by all and where every citizen can take pride in contributing to the development of our great nation.

On this International Labour Day, let us celebrate the spirit of work, honor the contributions of our people, and move forward with renewed determination to build a prosperous, just, and inclusive South Sudan.

May God bless you all, and may God bless the Republic of South Sudan.

Thank you.

H.E Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, Vice President of the Republic and Chair of Service Cluster extends warm and heartfelt wishes to all workers and the people of South Sudan on the occasion of International Labour Day.

Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi completes Service Cluster tour with visit to Ministry of Higher Education

Juba, 29 April, 2026 — Vice President of the Republic and Chairperson of the Service Delivery Cluster, H.E Hussein Abdelbagi Akol has concluded his tour of ministries under the Service Delivery Cluster, ending with a visit to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology. The tour was meant to give him a first-hand understanding of what each ministry is dealing with, most especially what’s working, what’s not, and what needs urgent attention.

At the ministry, he was briefed by the top leadership led by Hon. Madut Biar Yel, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology who briefed him on the current situation. The briefing highlighted several pressing issues, incsomeid salaries and arreamany office space, and the lack of adequate support for students in public universities especially school feeding programs. There are also concerns about delays in staff allowances and scholarship payments, as well as the difficult conditions facing South Sudanese students studying abroad.

Other challenges raised included private universities operating without proper licenses and the ongoing struggle to fund science, technology, and innovation programs.

Despite the difficulties, the ministry announced that plans are underway to release public university admissions on 7 May 2026 through the Digitel Telecommunication Network, allowing students to check their results online for the first time.

Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi acknowledged the concerns and assured the ministry that their report will be presented to the Council of Ministers for consideration. He also revealed plans to convene a joint meeting with university vice chancellors and ministry officials to openly discuss these challenges and explore practical solutions aimed at improving the quality of higher education in the country.

He acknowledged the Ministry of his commitment to tackling the issues facing the cluster and pushing forward priorities that will strengthen service delivery, particularly in the education and health sectors.

VICE PRESIDENT HUSSEIN ABDELBAGI CHAIRS SERVICE CLUSTER MEETING ON KEY FUNDING PRIORITIES TO FINANCE MINISTRY

JUBA, 28 APRIL 2026 — The Vice President and Chairperson of the Service Cluster, H.E. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, on Tuesday convened a high-level cluster meeting attended by the Minister of Finance and Planning, Hon. Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, to address urgent sectoral priorities requiring immediate government funding.

The meeting reviewed critical needs across ministries under the Service Cluster, with a shared focus on accelerating service delivery to citizens with salary payment to workers in service cluster as the top agenda.

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Madut Biar Yel, highlighted the urgent need to clear outstanding arrears for public universities, particularly for student feeding programs. He emphasized that settling these obligations is essential ahead of the planned release and placement of new university admissions scheduled for 7 May 2026.

In the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, priorities outlined included the disbursement of capitation grants to primary schools and the completion of school infrastructure projects pledged by H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit during the 2010 elections. These interventions are seen as vital to improving access and learning conditions nationwide.

The Ministry of Health underscored the need to urgently pay the government’s co-financing obligations to health partners. Officials noted that delays in meeting these commitments have led some development partners to scale back or suspend their support, placing additional strain on the health system.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour presented plans for the upcoming International Labour Day celebrations in May, which will also serve as a platform to connect approximately 2,000 young people with employment opportunities. The initiative aims to facilitate the submission of CVs to recruitment agencies, companies, and NGOs for consideration.

Responding to the submissions, the Minister of Finance and Planning assured the meeting of the ministry’s commitment to explore feasible mechanisms to prioritize the identified needs, with the goal of expediting service delivery across sectors.

In his closing remarks, Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi Akol reaffirmed the Service Cluster’s dedication to improving the welfare of citizens through coordinated action. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to work collaboratively toward timely and effective service delivery.

VICE PRESIDENT HUSSEIN ABDELBAGI MEETS HIV/AIDS COMMISSION OFFICIALS, AFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO FIGHT AGAINST THE DISEASE

JUBA, 24 APRIL 2026 — The Vice President of the Republic and Chair of the Service Cluster, H.E. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, on Friday met with the leadership of the HIV/AIDS Commission, led by Hon. Dr. Justin Kawac K. Makuei, Chairperson, and Dr. Achol Ayong, Deputy Chairperson.

During the meeting, the Commission officials briefed the Vice President on ongoing activities, key achievements, and the challenges affecting their operations.

The Vice President reaffirmed the Cluster’s full support to the Commission in the fight against HIV/AIDS, with special emphasis on the effective implementation of the National Strategic Plan (2027–2029), which was launched last month.

He also expressed his intention to visit the Commission to gain deeper insight into its work, including its priorities, progress, and operational challenges.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by both parties to strengthen efforts in combating HIV/AIDS across the country.

VICE PRESIDENT HUSSEIN ABDELBAGI MEETS AU PEACE AND SECURITY COUNCIL, DISCUSSES PEACE AGREEMENT AND ELECTIONS

JUBA, 24 APRIL, 2026 — The Vice President of the Republic and Chair of the Services Cluster, H.E. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, on Thursday evening met with a delegation from the African Union Peace and Security Council led by Amb. Hirut Zemene Kassa.

The meeting, held at the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Amb. Monday Semeya Kumba, Deputy Minister Hon. Amb. Akuei Bona Malual, and other senior officials.

Discussions centered on the implementation of the peace agreement, the need for sustained political dialogue, and preparations for the general elections scheduled for December 2026.

Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fully implementing the peace agreement, emphasizing that inter-party dialogue remains a top priority ahead of the elections. He noted that both the government and all signatories to the agreement are dedicated to ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.

He further called on the African Union to continue supporting South Sudan in advancing peace implementation and successfully conducting the December 2026 elections.

VICE PRESIDENT HUSSEIN ABDELBAGI MEETS CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION, PLEDGES SUPPORT TO ADDRESS CHALLENGES

JUBA, 23 APRIL 2026 — The Vice President of the Republic and Chairperson of the Services Cluster, H.E. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, on Thursday held a consultative meeting with the leadership of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), led by its Chairperson, Hon. Prof. Julia Aker Duany. Also in attendance were Dr. David Deng Goch, Executive Director of the CSC; Mr. James Taban Abel, Director General; and Mr. John Thiong Aduong, Director for Administration and Finance.

During the meeting, the Commission briefed the Vice President on its ongoing activities, progress made, key priorities, and the challenges affecting its operations. Among the concerns raised were the lack of adequate office space and limited mobility for senior management.

In his response, the Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening public institutions and improving service delivery. He pledged to facilitate the provision of office space in the short term and to address the remaining challenges to enable the Commission to operate more effectively.

The Vice President noted that the Civil Service Commission plays a vital role in advising the government on public service policies, recruitment, and human resource management.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to enhance its capacity and performance in support of effective governance.

VICE PRESIDENT HUSSEIN ABDELBAGI CHAIRS SERVICE CLUSTER MEETING, ADOPTS KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

JUBA, 22 APRIL 2026 — The Vice President of the Republic and Chairperson of the Service Cluster, H.E. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, on Wednesday chaired a Service Cluster meeting held at the Ministry of Labour.

The meeting reviewed and formally adopted the recommendations from the Cluster’s Regular Meeting No. II/2026, which was held on Thursday, 3 March 2026, reaffirming the Cluster’s commitment to advancing service delivery across sectors.

During the meeting, the Minister of Labour, Hon. Anthony Lino Makana, presented a memorandum on the planned celebration of Labour Day 2026. The event is expected to bring together government officials, employers, development partners, and thousands of citizens, including over 2,000 unemployed youth, with an estimated total attendance of more than 15,000 people.

The Cluster endorsed the memorandum and resolved to forward it to the Council of Ministers for consideration. Details regarding the official date and venue of the celebration will be communicated in due course, according to the Cluster Spokesperson, Hon. Julius Tabuley Daniel.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by Cluster members to strengthen coordination and enhance the delivery of essential services across the country.

𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐇𝐔𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐁𝐃𝐄𝐋𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐈, 𝐃𝐉𝐈𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐈 𝐀𝐌𝐁𝐀𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐄, 𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄𝐒

𝐉𝐔𝐁𝐀 22 𝐀𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐋 2026 — The Vice President of the Republic and Chairperson of the Services Cluster, H.E. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, on Wednesday received H.E. Hassan Robleh Mahamoud, the Ambassador of Djibouti to South Sudan, for high-level talks focused on peace, development, and the future of bilateral relations.

The discussions centered on key national priorities, including regional stability, the consolidation of peace and security in South Sudan, and the strengthening of service delivery across critical sectors such as health and education. Both leaders also exchanged views on the country’s roadmap toward the anticipated general elections scheduled for December 2026.

Ambassador Mahamoud reaffirmed Djibouti’s unwavering solidarity with the people of South Sudan, expressing full support for the upcoming elections and ongoing efforts to stabilize the country. He emphasized Djibouti’s commitment to standing alongside South Sudan in its journey toward lasting peace and democratic progress.

Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi, in response, welcomed Djibouti’s consistent role in supporting South Sudan’s peace process since 2018. He highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation beyond diplomacy, calling for scholarship opportunities for South Sudanese university students and stronger partnerships in the health sector to improve service delivery in both nations.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing a shared commitment to deepening collaboration and strengthening ties for the mutual benefit of South Sudan and Djibouti.