South Sudan President Salva Kiir has removed the speaker and deputy speaker of parliament, according to a decree read Tuesday.
Tulio Odongi Ayahu, chief whip of Kiir’s ruling SPLM, announced the dismissal of Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba and deputy Permena Awerial Aluong.
The decision follows a petition by SPLM caucus members accusing Kumba of corruption linked to alleged mismanagement of parliamentary funds.
Kumba, the first woman to lead South Sudan’s parliament since 2021, has not publicly responded to the corruption allegations.
Kiir appointed Joseph Ngere Paciko as the new speaker and Abuk Paiti Ayiik as the deputy speaker in their place.
The sackings echo Kiir’s late February firing of Finance Minister Bak Barnaba Chol, who held office for only three months.
Analysts note that Kiir frequently reshuffles senior political and military posts to maintain control amid ongoing instability and speculation.
The latest dismissals underscore the president’s careful maneuvering to secure loyalty and consolidate power across South Sudan’s fragile political landscape.
Observers say these abrupt decisions deepen uncertainty in a nation struggling with governance challenges and persistent internal divisions.
Kumba’s historic tenure as the first female parliamentary speaker is now overshadowed by controversy and the abrupt political upheaval in Juba.
The replacements signal Kiir’s intent to reinforce the SPLM’s influence while quietly managing rival factions within his administration.
Political analysts warn that continued instability in top leadership posts could further complicate South Sudan’s fragile peace and development efforts.
The president’s reshuffle strategy reflects a broader pattern of control, ensuring loyalty within the government while balancing competing political ambitions.
