South Sudan President Salva Kiir has removed the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, according to a decree read in parliament on Tuesday.
Tulio Odongi Ayahu, chief whip of Kiir’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), announced the dismissal of Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba and her deputy, Permena Awerial Aluong. The action follows a petition by SPLM caucus members last week, accusing Kumba of corruption related to the alleged mismanagement of parliamentary funds. Kumba, who became the first female speaker in 2021, has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Kiir has appointed Joseph Ngere Paciko as the new speaker and Abuk Paiti Ayiik as deputy speaker.
The sackings come in the wake of Kiir’s abrupt dismissal of Finance Minister Bak Barnaba Chol in late February, who had served only three months in office. Analysts note that Kiir frequently reshuffles senior political and military positions to maintain control amid ongoing instability and speculation over his eventual succession.
