South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed 47 lawmakers aligned with the opposition SPLM-IO party, days after they walked out of parliament in protest over proposed amendments to the country’s 2018 power-sharing agreement, according to a presidential decree.
The decree, issued under Article 106A(2)(a) of the Transitional Constitution, revoked the appointments of members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) representing the SPLM-IO, the main opposition group led by detained First Vice President Riek Machar.
Those dismissed include 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 removed from parliament are 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 dismissed 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 removed 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.
Kiir also issued a separate decree appointing 47 new lawmakers from a rival faction of the SPLM-IO to replace the dismissed members.
The dismissals come amid growing tensions within South Sudan’s transitional government over proposed changes to the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, a fragile peace deal that ended a five-year civil war.
SPLM-IO lawmakers loyal to Machar staged a walkout from parliament on May 11 in protest against amendments introduced by Kiir’s allies, arguing that the proposed changes undermined key provisions of the peace agreement.
Several SPLM-IO legislators perceived to be loyal to Machar, who remains in detention in Juba, have in recent months been replaced by members aligned with a rival SPLM-IO faction led by Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol, whom Kiir’s administration now recognizes as its peace partner.
The proposed amendments have also drawn concern from international partners. The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), which oversees implementation of the peace deal, has warned that any amendments require consultation and approval from all signatory parties, including the SPLM-IO faction aligned with Machar.
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