President Salva Kiir Mayardit has appointed a sitting Member of Parliament to the Board of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), a move that has sparked debate over its legality and potential conflict of interest.

The appointment was announced through a presidential decree on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

Abraham Kuol Nyuon, who serves as a Member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), was named Chairperson of the SSRA Board.

He replaces Khalid Abdelatif, whose board was dissolved in the same decree.

Legal experts and some lawmakers have raised concerns about the appointment, arguing that it may violate constitutional provisions and the SSRA Act, which are understood to prohibit sitting legislators from holding executive or quasi-executive positions in revenue-collection bodies to avoid conflicts of interest and maintain separation of powers.

Critics say the move undermines the independence of the revenue authority and could compromise parliamentary oversight of public finances.

However, government sources defend the appointment, stating that the President has wide discretionary powers under the constitution to appoint qualified individuals to key institutions.

The South Sudan Revenue Authority is the primary body responsible for collecting taxes, customs duties, and non-oil revenue — a critical function as the country seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on oil income.

No official response has yet been issued by the Office of the President or the Ministry of Justice regarding the legal concerns raised.

This is the latest in a series of high-level appointments and reshuffles by President Kiir in recent weeks as the country prepares for general elections scheduled for December 2026.