South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has sacked his presidential affairs minister, less than a year since his appointment.

No explanation was given for the dismissal of Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro, which was announced in a decree on the state television on Monday night.

The sacked minister is an ally of President Kiir, and previously served as the minister of public service in the transitional government.

Mr Bakosoro, a prominent politician from Western Equatoria State, is currently a member of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

He rejoined the ruling SPLM Party on 15 July 2021 after abandoning his South Sudan Movement for Change (SSMC) Party, which is part of the transitional government of national unity.

In a separate presidential decree, President Salva Kiir appointed Chol Mawut Ungwech Ajongo as the new presidential affairs minister.  Mr Chol was serving as South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kenya.

In other decrees, Kiir appointed Hellen Kamisa Bero to replace the late Agnes Kwaje Lasuba, and Riak Michael Mario to replace Michael Mario Duor as parliamentarians in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.