South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, has removed and replaced multiple officials and legislators in various states through several decrees. The former governor of Upper Nile State, Budhok Ayang Kur, was sacked and replaced by James Odhok, a member of the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO). The removal is believed to be connected to recent violence and inter-communal clashes in the state. Kiir also relieved the Unity State advisor on gender, child, and social welfare, Yoane Jek Guop, without appointing a successor. Other officials removed from their positions include the Unity State Minister of Animal Resources and Fisheries, James Tunguar, Rubkona County commissioner, James Gatluak Nyak, and state anti-corruption commissioner, Charles Wal. New appointments were made for these positions and others, including Bol Akot Agok as Yirol West County commissioner. The decrees also affected lawmakers in the Revitalised Transitional National legislative Assembly (RTNLA) from Jonglei, Eastern and Western Equatoria states.
