By Nakwam Rose
Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA) has strongly criticized the repeated reshuffling of opposition leaders by their superiors without clear and legitimate reasons for their dismissal.
According to CPA, this practice undermines implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
“Particularly Articles 1.16 and 1.16.1, which advocate for power-sharing at both state and local government levels,” the rights body states.
The advocacy body accuses state governors of exacerbating instability in the country instead of prioritizing and resolving pressing issues. It urges them to await a final decision agreed upon by all parties regarding the R-ARCSS before taking unilateral actions.
The CPA further contends that such actions by state governors damage the working relationships established between commissioners and their communities, noting that previous suspensions have already caused significant disruption and heightened tensions.
“State governors are creating more problems rather than resolving the challenges our country currently faces. They should await either the dissolution of the entire R-ARCSS or its full implementation by all parties. Such actions undermine the working relationships and collaboration already established between commissioners and their communities. The suspensions of these commissioners have already had a negative impact at the grassroots level,” (CPA) stated.
The CPA calls for thorough investigations before any governor makes such decisions. It emphasizes the crucial role commissioners play in maintaining peace and security within their communities, asserting that even minor leadership disputes can quickly trigger conflict.
The organization said the 8th Governor Resolution Forum, held last year, was intended to encourage governors to initiate programs that promote peace and reconciliation among the population, not to create divisions at the state level.
“There is a need for complete interpretation [of the peace agreement] before any governor makes a decision that could elicit negative reactions from their communities. Commissioners, as heads of counties, are responsible for maintaining peace and security. When a leadership vacuum exists, conflicts are more likely to arise. During the 8th Governor Resolution Forum last year, the emphasis was on Governors initiating programs that foster peace and reconciliation among the people. Instead, they appear to be focused on creating divisions at the state level,” it added.
On April 4, 2025, Gen. James Koang Chuol, the Governor of Upper Nile State, suspended James Gatluak Lew Thiep, the commissioner of Nasir County.
Similarly, Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok of Jonglei State suspended Puok Nyang Tutjiek, the commissioner of Akobo County, on April 17, 2025.
On April 22, 2025, Gen. James Koang Chuol suspended Riek Gai Galuak, the commissioner of Ulang County.
On April 23, 2025, in Lakes State, Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor summoned Deng Mario Deng, the SPLM-IO-appointed commissioner of Cueibet County, to report to the state headquarters in Rumbek.