(Ruweng) – The Legislative Council of South Sudan’s Ruweng Administrative Area has voted to impeach Chief Administrator Hon. Stepiano Wieu De Malek, citing a range of issues including worsening insecurity, failure to mobilise local youth into national forces, and serious allegations of corruption.
In a formal letter signed by Rt Hon. Arop Kok Kiir, Speaker of the Legislative Council, lawmakers laid out seven key reasons for the decision, describing the leadership of Hon. Wieu as “failing to meet the expectations of the people” amid growing challenges in the region.
The most pressing issue raised was insecurity throughout the Ruweng area. The Council accused the Chief Administrator of failing to address a spate of killings and violent incidents affecting civilians across the territory. Lawmakers stated that his inaction had contributed to a general breakdown in law and order.
A second charge involved his failure to mobilise local youth to join organised security forces—an issue viewed as crucial in a region marked by border tensions and militia activity.
The impeachment letter also raised serious concerns about territorial integrity, accusing Hon. Wieu of failing to take action against the encroachment of Unity State into Ruweng territory. Specific areas mentioned include Miading and Miakuach, which are now reportedly occupied by authorities from Unity State. The Council viewed this as a dereliction of duty that threatened the political and administrative boundaries of the Ruweng area.
In addition to governance and security concerns, the Council accused the Chief Administrator of bypassing the Legislative Council and other institutions, undermining cooperation within the local administration.
More serious still were the financial allegations. The Council claimed that Hon. Wieu had diverted the 5% share of oil revenue—allocated to Ruweng under national laws—into personal accounts. These funds, crucial for development in one of South Sudan’s oil producing areas, were allegedly shared with Hon. Mary Ayen Mijok.
Additional charges included the embezzlement of income tax revenue and proceeds from the sale of murram, a valuable construction material. Lawmakers allege that these funds too were redirected into private accounts rather than being used for public services or infrastructure.
The final charge accused Hon. Wieu of misappropriating funds disbursed by the national government in Juba. No precise figure was disclosed in the letter.
The Council has formally requested that President Salva Kiir Mayardit, through Vice President H.E. Benjamin Bol Mel, act swiftly to remove the impeached Chief Administrator and appoint a new, “competent and loyal” member of the ruling SPLM party to restore confidence and stability in the region.
Ruweng, a resource rich area located in northern South Sudan, has long played a strategic role in the country’s oil production. Political instability in the area could affect not only local governance but also national oil revenues, which remain vital for the economy.
No official response has yet been issued by Hon. Stepiano Wieu De Malek or Hon. Mary Ayen Mijok regarding the allegations. The national government in Juba has also not commented publicly on the impeachment.
Further updates will follow as more information becomes available from both Ruweng and national officials in Juba.