South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, has dismissed Parliament Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba and Deputy Speaker Permena Awerial Aluong, according to a decree read before lawmakers on Tuesday.
The announcement was made by Tulio Odongi Ayahu, chief whip of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), during a parliamentary session.
The decree removes Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba and her deputy, Permena Awerial Aluong, from their positions in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. No official reason for the dismissals was immediately provided.
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The move follows a petition last week by SPLM caucus members accusing Kumba of corruption linked to the alleged mismanagement of parliamentary funds and calling for her removal.
Kumba, who made history in 2021 as the first woman to serve as speaker of South Sudan’s parliament, has not responded to the allegations. https://consultation.shuddhi.com/
Kiir appointed Joseph Ngere Paciko and Abuk Paiti Ayiik as the new speaker and deputy speaker, respectively.
The sackings come after Kiir in late February abruptly fired the then Finance Minister Bak Barnaba Chol, who had been in office for just three months, without giving a reason.
Analysts say Kiir frequently reshuffles senior political and military posts to maintain his grip on power amid persistent instability and speculation over his eventual succession.