Subek had faced criticism over the deteriorating conditions at Juba International Airport. Public outrage peaked last week after a viral video showed goats wandering on the runway, reportedly disrupting an Ethiopian Airlines plane as it taxied to the parking area.
The changes were broadcast on the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).
Others shown the door included Gola Boyoi, who had served for over a year as Chief Administrator of the conflict-ridden Pibor Administrative Area. He was replaced by Peter Gazolo Mazi.
At the Ministry of Petroleum, Kon John Akot, the Director General of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority, was relieved of his duties and replaced by Lual Chol Dak.
The Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage also saw a change in leadership, with Amer Madol Majak being replaced as undersecretary of state by Malok Majok Malok. Similarly, at the Ministry of Justice, Gabriel Isaac Awuou was removed as undersecretary and replaced by Mary James Ajith Awuol.
In addition to the removal of Subek, President Kiir reconstituted the SSCAA board and appointed a new leadership team. The new board consists of Addis Ababa Othow as Chairman, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport as a member, the Commander and Head of the SSCAA Legal Team as a member, Maria Lotua representing the Business Management.
The board also includes the representatives from National Security and the SSPDF Air Force Commander, Brigadier General Garang Deng Door. John Woja Elinana will serve as secretary to the board in his capacity as director-general/CEO of the SSCAA.
No official reasons were given for these dismissals and appointments. However, President Kiir cited his constitutional authority to make changes in public offices as part of his prerogative.
Kiir has recently sacked officials in the security and finance ministries, and has seen three finance ministers in less than a year.Â