South Sudan President Salva Kiir. (File photo)

President Salva Kiir made changes to the Upper Nile and Warrap state governments on Monday night. In a decree read on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Cooperation (SSBC), Kiir dismissed the Upper Nile State Security Advisor Jokino Fidel Nyikayo and Economic Affairs Advisor James Gatwech Jok and appointed Elteib Okiec Ajak and Chuol Deb Ciyer as their respective replacements.

He also dismissed ministers James Monyluk Mijok of Peace Building, James Basha Tewe of Information, Pal Deng Teweth of Finance, Planning and Investment, Simon Ruot Riang of Trade and Industry, Tejok Edward Ador of Agriculture and Forestry, Diing Deng Lueth of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development, Bainji Ernest of Health, and Peter Reek Dak of General Education and Instruction.

He replaced them with Peter Guenyjo Akwiny in Information, Martin Monykuer Monyjok in Finance, Planning and Investment, Simon Duop Puk in Trade and Industry, Akuc Jol Aciek in Labour, Public Service and Human Resources Development, Tejwok Edward Ador in Health, and Peter Alberto Mabano in Education and Instruction.

The president also dismissed Fashoda County Commissioner Yany Chuok Ajang, Geu Chol Yac of Akoka County, Akoch Jol Achiek of Renk, Chock Zein Arop of Melut, James Gatluak of Nasir, Riek Gach Gatluak of Ulang, Martin Monykuer Monyjok of Baliet, Peter Alberto of Maban, Peter Awan Odong of Manyo, and Dak Tut Dei of Longechuk County.

He appointed commissioners: Onak Okech Lual for Fashoda, James Chol Ador for Akoka, Diing Deng Lueth for Renk, Manyol Akoch Aguer for Melut, James Gatwech Jok for Nasir, Justin Nhial Betong for Ulang, John Paul Kuma for Maban, Zacharia Luany Amum for Manyo, Tulif Tong Dheiu for Longechuk, and Joseph Deng Angau for Baliet County.

According to sources, in what amounts to a violation of the 2018 peace agreement, Kiir appointed SSPDF Generals loyal to him as commissioners of Ulang and Nasir counties. The commissioners of the two counties, according to the agreement, are supposed to be nominated by the South Sudan Federal Democratic Party (FDP), which is a member of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) and the SPLM-IO, respectively.

Further, Kiir replaced the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, Peter Nyogo Akwiny, with Chiok Zein Arop.

In the Upper Nile State Parliament, Kiir revoked the appointment of the Speaker, Jacob Dholar Ruot, and member Hamza Lual Awer. He appointed Philip Akol Amon as the new Speaker and Yanyo Oluak Ajany to replace the late Juliana Dak Padiel, and Andrew Mayom Deng as a legislator.

In Warrap State, Kiir dismissed the Advisor on Peace and Security, Peter Matem Yak (SPLM), and ministers Agem Akut Madut of Cabinet Affairs, James Ayek Bath of Youth Sport and Culture, and Mamer Bath Mabior of Information.

He appointed Mayik Agoth Mayor as the Advisor on Peace and Security, and ministers Dr. Achuil Malei Aliab for Cabinet Affairs, John Garang Mabior Ater for Youth, Sports and Culture, Paulino Mabeny Mayom Yuot for Parliamentary Affairs, Mamer Bath Matiok for Information, and Gabriel Machol Kur for Public Service and Human Resource Development.

Kiir dismissed the Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, Malau Madut Malau, Deputy Chairperson Anti-Corruption Commission, Bona Mawan Yap, and Chairperson Peace and Conflict Resolution Commission Tokiel Chiliu, and replaced them with James Ajiek Marop Bol as the Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, Aluak Majok Bech as Member Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, Malong Akuot Atem, Deputy Chairperson Anti-Corruption Commission, and Benjamin Anyar Mabior, as Chairperson of Peace and Reconciliation Commission.

He also dismissed county commissioners Makur Duol Ajuok of Tonj East County and Ring Deng Pading of Tonj South, and replaced them with Ngor Duol Mangong and John Achiek Warnyien, respectively.

In Central Equatoria State, Kiir dismissed commissioners David Lisi Christopher of Kajo-Keji County and George Wani Elia of Terekeka and replaced them with Yongole Atanasio Lojojo and Dr. Emmanuel Laku Ladu, respectively. Radio Tamazuj