JUBA – President Salva Kiir relieved national lawmaker Reath Muoch Tang, who was nominated by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), in a president decree on Monday.
Kiir did not provide any reason for the dismissal of Muoch, who is currently the acting chairperson of SPLM-IO National Committee on Foreign Relations.
But the former lawmaker, who hails from Nasir County, has been critical of the government’s bombing campaign in southern Upper Nile, which killed dozens including civilians, forced tens of thousands into refuge, and exacerbated a dire humanitarian crisis.
Muoch also caused controversies in April 2025 – when he participated at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF)’s Spring Meeting in Washington D.C. on behalf of the South Sudan government, despite not being delegated.
In a statement reacting to his removal, Muoch termed the decision unilateral and unconstitutional, adding he is determined to continue speaking for his constituency.
“The decision is unilateral and unconstitutional, and a clear violation of the R-ARCSS, specifically Article 1.9.2.1, which clearly states that a Member of Parliament appointed through the ticket of a particular party cannot be removed without the knowledge and consultation of that party,” he said.
“Let it be known that position has never been my goal. What pains me more than this revocation is the blood being spilled daily, the insecurity across our counties, and the suffering of ordinary South Sudanese who wake up each day not knowing if they will survive the night.
“Leadership is not about clinging to titles. True leadership is about sacrifice, truth-telling, and standing with the people, especially when it is inconvenient. I will not be distracted by this act of political maneuvering. If anything, this revocation strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for peace, justice, and accountability in our country.”
Further replacements
President Kiir also removed Western Bahr el Ghazal State (WBGs) Advisor on Legal Affairs Theresa Anyuat Uding, who served on the ticket of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). In her place, Kiir appointed Elizabeth Mario Masuma.
He also relieved a number of WBGs ministers including cabinet affairs minister Arkanjelo Anyar Anyar, parliamentary and legal affairs minister Rudolf Andrea Ujika, minister of cooperative and rural development Ibrahim Surur Ibrahim, minister of gender child and social welfare Elizabeth Mario Masuma and minister of housing and public utilities Juma Abdallah Jur (all from other Political Parties).
The president then named Rudolf Andrea Ujika for cabinet affairs, Anyar Anyar Dor for parliamentary affairs, Mario Nyibango John for cooperative and rural development, Mary Carolino Madut for gender, child and social welfare, and Peter Deng Mathew Achor for housing and public utilities.
Also relieved of their duties were Julius Paul Uchala, a member of the HIV/AIDS Commission, and Christina Bernardo Timeti, a member of the Employees Justice Chamber. They were replaced by Simon Abubakar Daniel and Kamisa Juma Gidad in the HIV/AIDS Commission and Employees Justice Chamber, respectively.
Kiir replaced county commissioners James Ernest Makuei of Jur River and George Peter Wanjo of Wau with Santino Manut Akec and Michael Jiba Okello, respectively.
In the Lakes State parliament, Kiir appointed Makuei Andrew Asijok to replace Andrew Asijok Ayak and Ayan Riak Magai to replace Makuei Bol Kodi, both from the SPLM as members.
The chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in Lakes State, Bol Achiek Marial, was replaced by Abraham Chol Bol Leek.