South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed his presidential advisor on peace affairs, Moses Gatkuoth Lony, and three deputy governors affiliated with the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), according to a presidential decree announced on state television on the evening of March 11, 2026.

The move is part of a broader realignment within the government of national unity formed under the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

The dismissed officials represent the SPLM-IO quota in the power-sharing arrangement.

Moses Gatkuoth Lony — Appointed presidential peace advisor in 2023; previously a Jonglei parliamentarian and senior humanitarian figure in the SPLM-IO during the civil war. Replaced by Peter Charliman Chawach.

Dr. Isaiah Akol Mathiang — Deputy Governor of Lakes State (SPLM-IO); arrested in March 2025 after publicly criticizing government military operations in Nasir. Replaced by Isaac Luka Manga.

Tor Tungwar Kueigwong — Deputy Governor of Unity State (SPLM-IO); fled into exile following the March 2025 detention of opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar. Replaced by William Gatjang Ging.

Mary Alphonse Lodira — Deputy Governor of Eastern Equatoria State (SPLM-IO); her office was forcibly closed by security agents in April 2025 while she was abroad for medical treatment after rejecting a proposed leadership change. Replaced by Karlo Andrew Akuo Ajerry.

No official reasons were provided in the decree for the dismissals.

Under the 2018 peace deal, the president has authority to relieve officials but is expected to consult relevant political parties on appointments and changes affecting their quotas.

The SPLM-IO remains internally divided, with factions led by acting chairman Oyet Nathaniel (following Machar’s ongoing house arrest and trial) and peace minister Stephen Par Kuol (recognized by the ruling SPLM as the legitimate partner).

It is unclear whether these changes were coordinated with any SPLM-IO faction.

The reshuffle comes amid heightened political tensions, renewed fighting in regions like Jonglei, stalled implementation of key peace provisions, and preparations for long-delayed general elections now scheduled for December 2026.

Recent developments—including Machar’s treason trial, opposition blockades, and international calls for inclusive dialogue—have raised fears of further erosion of the fragile transitional framework.

No immediate reactions from the affected officials, SPLM-IO leadership, or international partners were reported in connection with the decree.