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South Sudan’s President Reshuffles Key Political Positions
In a significant reshuffle announced on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, President Salva Kiir altered the composition of the National Constitution Review Commission (NCRC) and various state parliamentary positions, marking a pivotal shift in the country’s ongoing constitutional reform process.
The presidential decree issued late Friday saw the replacement of three key members of the NCRC. Dr Majak D’ Agoot Atem of the Former Detainees, Mary Akec Bior representing Women, and Koang Chot Lith from Other Political Parties were replaced by Riak Daniel Dual, Maria Gideon Galmar, and Mayen Jeremiah Turich, respectively. These changes are poised to influence the direction of the NCRC, which has the critical task of examining and amending the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan.
The NCRC, established under Presidential Order No. 02/2012 and reconstituted through the Constitution-Making Process Act of 2022, carries the responsibility of conducting nationwide public consultations, civic education, and ultimately drafting the permanent constitution.
In addition to the NCRC reshuffle, President Kiir’s decree affected multiple state parliaments. In Unity State, Kiir revoked the appointment of Peter Dang Beliu of the USAP Party and Monaka Nyaura Duoth from the National Agenda, appointing Lony Mathai Both Lek and Nyekong Chap Tek in their stead.
Similar changes were seen in Western Equatoria and Lakes State Parliaments where Rizik Khamis Simon and Arek Marol Bol were replaced by Taban David Zachariah Bauro and Riel Chol Riel, respectively.
The Upper Nile State saw the replacement of Jelamina Mading Bilkuei and Koach Isaac Chol, both from the USAP, with Achol Arop Monykuany Maker and Rankiel Makal Gatkuoth stepping into these roles.
The sweeping changes have sparked varied reactions among political analysts and citizens alike. Some view it as a strategic move by President Kiir to consolidate influence and push forward the constitutional reform agenda in a more controlled manner. Others express concerns about the transparency of the process and the sudden nature of these appointments.
As South Sudan continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the impact of these reshuffles on the country’s governance and peace-building efforts remains to be seen. The NCRC, now with new members, faces the monumental task of crafting a constitution that embodies the diverse aspirations and challenges of one of the world’s youngest nations.
