Kiir sacks Unity State governor over human rights violations

May 21, 2024 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has sacked Unity State governor, Joseph Nguen Monytuil, replacing him with Riek Tap Long.

The state-owned television (SSBC) announced the Kiir’s decree on Monday.

The decree, however, gave no reason as to why the governor was removed.

Appointed governor in 2013, Monytuil is considered a key ally of President Kiir.

He has been criticized for the human rights violations conducted during his reign. In 2023, for instance, a United Nations-backed panel of investigators accused Monytuil and other officials of gross human rights violations in Unity State.

In one incident, a military dissident was burnt alive and several others killed on orders of Monytuil, sparkling nationwide reactions and condemnation of the act.

Highly placed sources say the ruling party (SPLM) leader has been under pressure to replace officials whose reputation have been subjected to public scrutiny.

Such officials, they say, could deny the ruling party victory in the coming elections.

South Sudan plans to hold its first-ever general elections in December 2024 in compliance with the provisions of part of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

President Kiir, in a separate decree, sacked the Chief Administrator of Ruweng Administrative Area, Stefano Wieu and replaced him with Tiop De Monyluak.

The order did not give reasons for the new changes within the administrative area.

(ST)