(JUBA) – President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a series of decrees reshaping the leadership of South Sudan’s SPLM-IO and SPLM/IG factions, affecting ministers, parliamentarians, and ambassadors. Observers see the moves as part of an ongoing consolidation of government control and a response to internal party tensions following the detention of SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar.
The President relieved Bech George Anyak from his role as Deputy Minister of Finance and appointed Hon. Yien Chan Gach Ruei to the position.
Several SPLM-IO members have had their appointments revoked, including Hon. Oyet Nathaniel, First Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), Hon. Deng Deng Akon, Speaker of the Council of States, Hon. Farouk Gatkouth, SPLM-IO Chief Whip in TNLA, Hon. Regina Joseph Kaba, TNLA member, Hon. Gai Mayen Luk, TNLA member and Hon. Matata Franc Elikana of the Council of States.
The President also appointed new SPLM-IO representatives to the legislature. In the Council of States, Daniel Akot Akot and Wani Elia were appointed. The TNLA welcomed John Oto Mariane, Malong Achirian, Julia, and Peter Charlaman.
In addition, four South Sudanese ambassadors were dismissed from their foreign missions. The recalled officials are John Andruga, Mayen Dut Wol, Riek, and Joshua Franco Paul.
Analysts suggest that some of these dismissals, particularly of vocal SPLM-IO MPs, represent a targeted effort to weaken loyalty to the detained party leader. Farouk Gatkouth, the SPLM-IO chief whip in parliament, was known for advocating the faction’s positions and supporting Machar.
Similarly, Oyet Nathaniel, acting Deputy Chairman of SPLM-IO, fled Juba several months ago and has now been removed as First Deputy Speaker of TNLA. Gai Mayen Luk, also a vocal MP, has been in exile since Machar’s house arrest.
Political observers note that these actions may reduce SPLM-IO influence in parliamentary decision making while consolidating President Kiir’s control over national institutions.
The reshuffle also has implications for South Sudan’s transitional government, which continues to navigate delicate power sharing arrangements and ongoing negotiations with opposition factions.
Summary of Key Changes
| Position | Outgoing | Incoming | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Minister of Finance | Bech George Anyak | Yien Chan Gach Ruei | – |
| TNLA Members Revoked | Oyet Nathaniel, Farouk Gatkouth, Regina Joseph Kaba, Gai Mayen Luk | John Oto Mariane, Malong Achirian, Peter Charlaman, Julia | Revocations target loyalists to detained Machar |
| Council of States Revoked | Deng Deng Akon, Matata Franc Elikana | Daniel Akot Akot, Wani Elia | – |
| Ambassadors Recalled | John Andruga, Mayen Dut Wol, Riek, Joshua Franco Paul | – | Restructuring diplomatic representation |