South Sudan’s Kiir dismisses parliament speaker and deputy
President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed the speaker and deputy speaker of parliament, as announced in a decree presented during the parliamentary session on Tuesday.
Tulio Odongi Ayahu, chief whip of Kiir’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), declared the decree that ousted Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba and her deputy, Permena Awerial Aluong, from their positions in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly.
The action comes after a petition was submitted last week by SPLM caucus members, who accused Kumba of corruption related to the purported mismanagement of parliamentary funds and demanded her removal.
Kumba, who made history in 2021 as the first woman to serve as speaker of South Sudan’s parliament, has yet to respond to the allegations.
Kiir has appointed Joseph Ngere Paciko as the new speaker and Abuk Paiti Ayiik as the deputy speaker.
The sackings follow Kiir’s abrupt decision in late February to dismiss the then finance minister, Bak Barnaba Chol, who had held the position for only three months, without providing an explanation.
Analysts indicate that Kiir often rearranges senior political and military positions to sustain his hold on power in the face of ongoing instability and rumors regarding his eventual succession, which may include strategic appointments and dismissals aimed at consolidating loyalty among key figures in his administration.
