NAIROBI —President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has ousted the country’s parliamentary speaker and deputy speaker following corruption allegations, according to a decree read out in the parliament on Tuesday. Tulio Odongi Ayahu, chief whip of Kiir’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), announced the decree removing Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba and her deputy, Permena Awerial Aluong, from their posts in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. The dismissals come in the wake of a petition accusing Kumba of corruption and fund mismanagement. Kumba, who made history in 2021 as the first woman to serve as speaker of South Sudan’s parliament, has not responded to the allegations. Kiir appointed Joseph Ngere Paciko and Abuk Paiti Ayiik as the new speaker and deputy speaker, respectively. Analysts say frequent leadership changes are part of Kiir’s broader strategy to fortify his authority as challenges mount. The sackings come after Kiir in late February abruptly fired the then Finance Minister Bak Barnaba Chol, who had been in office for just three months, without giving a reason. — Agencies
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