South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed 47 opposition lawmakers aligned with the SPLM-IO faction of detained First Vice President Riek Machar, escalating tensions in the country’s fragile transitional government.
In a presidential decree issued under Article 106A(2)(a) of the Transitional Constitution, Kiir revoked the appointments of the SPLM-IO members in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA).
The dismissed lawmakers include Mary James Kongkong, Chaguor Ater Bol, Reglina Garang Yut, and 44 others (full list below).
In a separate decree, President Kiir immediately appointed 47 new lawmakers from a rival SPLM-IO faction led by Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol.
Growing Rift in Opposition
The move deepens the split within the SPLM-IO, with Kiir’s government increasingly recognising the faction aligned with Stephen Par Kuol while sidelining members loyal to Riek Machar, who remains in detention in Juba.
The walkout on May 11 was triggered by attempts by Kiir’s allies to amend key provisions of the 2018 peace deal that ended the country’s brutal five-year civil war.
SPLM-IO legislators argued that the proposed changes undermine the power-sharing agreement.
International Concern
The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) has cautioned that any amendments to the peace agreement require full consultation and consensus among all signatories, including Machar’s faction.
The latest developments are likely to heighten political instability in South Sudan and raise fresh doubts about the country’s transition to democratic elections.
Full list of dismissed lawmakers:
Mary James Kongkong, Chaguor Ater Bol, Reglina Garang Yut, Wazime George Kandi, Daud Juma Asko, Achol Thomas Dak, Ajang Ahmed Alnuor, Andrew Koang Ruon, Angelina Nyibol Thuch, Anna Doki Matayo, Arkangelo Kanewe Minawe, Athian Madut Malulli, Awuol Ayei Mayen, Benjamin Anyang Keji, Dier Manyuom Dier, Elizabeth Acuei Yol, Elizabeth James Bol, Giel Thou Nvuot, Gordon Long Lam, Grace Thomas Kume, Hellen Ngaldok Lukurinyang, Isaac Khamis Paul, Jackline Mathew Gaza, Jackline Benjamin Lado, John Atak Garang Machar, Jok Jak Jok Yom, Juliano Danga Dudu, Eng. Juma Zachariah Deng, Kuot Akec Thokluoi, Martha Akon Deng, Martha Nyanaath Chot, Martha Nyanasir Chuol, Martha Nyanuba Simon, Martin Mabil Kong, Michael Tot Ruot, Nelson Uthou Ungang, Nhial Bol Aken, Nyanchlew Lul, Oreste Lopara Simon, Peres Nuba Chatim, Peter Gatkuoth Moyong, Phillip Ayul Ahwong, Phillip Aywok Akol, Rogya Nawar Musa, Samson Amule Michael, Deng Dewel Dhieu, and Teresa Anthony Tiklmo.
