South Sudan’s parliament is facing questions over its independence after President Salva Kiir appointed Joseph Ngere Paciko as the new Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, with Abuk Payiti Ayik as Deputy Speaker.
Rajab Mohandis, a Human Rights Activist in South Sudan, told local media; “The assembly is not independent. Most members are appointed by presidential decree and can be removed at any time. This means decisions often reflect political convenience rather than the interests of citizens.”
The appointments follow the dismissal of former Speaker Dr Jemma Nunu Kumba and her Deputy, Permena Awerial Aluong, after Kiir’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) accused them of mismanaging parliamentary funds, a charge Kumba has denied.
Mohandis described the reshuffle as part of a broader pattern in South Sudan’s politics. “Corruption is often cited as the reason for removal, but these moves are mostly about consolidating support within the ruling party. Positions are easily replaced at the President’s discretion,” he said.
He added that lobbying by groups close to the President often drives these changes. “The President gains political capital from reshuffles, not necessarily a cleaner government,” Mohandis explained.
The new Speaker may enjoy support from some MPs whose concerns were addressed, but Mohandis warned that the broader institutional fragility limits the assembly’s effectiveness in governance and oversight.
–ChannelAfrica–
