South Sudan rebel leader relieves and appoints more officials

August 10, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudan’s former vice president, Riek Machar, leader of the armed opposition faction of the governing Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO), has relieved and appointed more officials of the movement in a series of orders.

The opposition leader in an order he issued, dated 6 August, relieved Oyet Nathaniel Pierino from his position as chairman of national committee for political mobilization and orientation, and reappointed him as governor of the newly created Imatong state in Eastern Equatoria, per the rebels proposed 21 federal states in South Sudan.

“Pursuant to April 2014 Nasir Consultation Conference resolutions, I, Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, hereby appoint Cde Oyet Nathaniel Pierino as Governor of Imatong State,” reads the order extended to Sudan Tribune on Monday.

Machar also relieved Major General Mabor Marier Makoi as governor of Rumbek state and appointed Major General Khamis Abdel Latif Chawaul, replacing Makoi as new governor of Rumbek state. Chawaul was previously in charge of rebel forces in the state.

The opposition leader appointed Major General Wesley Welebe Samson as governor of Mid-West Equatoria state. Samson has been leading an anti-government force in the government’s controlled Western Equatoria state.

He also appointed Matata Frank as governor of Yei River state, which is curved from Central Equatoria state in accordance with the proposed new states based on elevation of the old colonial districts in South Sudan.

The rebel leader further relieved Timothy Tot Chol from his position as chairman of national committee for Federal System Development. No replacement was yet named.

The changes also come as the two principal rival leaders, president Salva Kiir and Machar are expected to sign a final peace agreement on 17 August.

The East African regional bloc, IGAD, which mediates between the warring parties has given chance for further negotiations before the deadline.

IGAD-Plus said it would incorporate into its compromise peace proposal document any issue that may be agreed between the two parties in the course of the 10 days of negotiations, but would impose its document to be signed on 17 August in case of no agreement between the parties.

(ST)