South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed 47 lawmakers aligned with the opposition SPLM-IO party, deepening political tensions within the country’s fragile unity government amid growing disagreements over proposed changes to the 2018 peace agreement.
The dismissals were announced through a presidential decree issued under Article 106A(2)(a) of the Transitional Constitution, days after the lawmakers staged a walkout from parliament in protest against planned amendments to key provisions of the revitalized peace deal.
The removed legislators were members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) representing the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), the main opposition group led by detained First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Among those dismissed are 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 and Arkangelo Kanewe Minawe.
Others affected include 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 and Jackline Benjamin Lado.
The decree also removed 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 and Nyanchlew Lul.
Also dismissed were 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.
In a separate decree, Kiir appointed 47 new lawmakers drawn from a rival SPLM-IO faction to replace the dismissed MPs, a move analysts say could further widen divisions within the opposition camp and complicate implementation of the peace agreement.
The parliamentary walkout that preceded the dismissals followed mounting disagreements over proposed amendments to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), the fragile deal that ended years of civil war and established the current power-sharing arrangement.
Opposition lawmakers had accused government officials and allied factions of attempting to alter key provisions of the agreement without broad consensus, warning that such actions risk undermining the peace process.
The latest developments come at a time of increasing political uncertainty in South Sudan, where relations between President Kiir and Machar’s SPLM-IO have deteriorated in recent months amid arrests, internal party divisions and renewed accusations of violations of the peace accord.
Many fear the removal of the lawmakers could intensify mistrust between the parties and place additional pressure on the already delayed transitional process, including preparations for long-awaited national elections.
Neither the SPLM-IO leadership nor the presidency immediately issued detailed public statements following the decrees.
