South Sudan President Salva Kiir Dismisses Parliamentary Speaker Amid Corruption Allegations

South Sudan President Salva Kiir dismisses Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba and her deputy following corruption allegations, appointing Joseph Ngere Paciko as successor.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 8:41 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Saudi Gazette

A Sudden Decree in the Transitional Assembly

In a significant political shakeup on Tuesday, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir issued a decree removing the top leadership of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. The announcement was read out in parliament by Tulio Odongi Ayahu, the chief whip of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). The dismissals of Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba and Deputy Speaker Permena Awerial Aluong took immediate effect, marking a dramatic shift in the country's legislative oversight.

Allegations of Financial Misconduct

The removal of the speakers follows the submission of a formal petition accusing Kumba of corruption and the persistent mismanagement of parliamentary funds. Kumba, who made history in 2021 as the first woman to lead South Sudan’s parliament, has not yet issued a public response to the specific allegations. The move signals a tightening of executive control over the legislature, ostensibly in response to internal pressures regarding transparency and fiscal accountability within the governing coalition.

Appointment of New Legislative Leadership

To fill the leadership vacuum, President Kiir swiftly appointed Joseph Ngere Paciko as the new Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly. Abuk Paiti Ayiik was named as the new Deputy Speaker. These appointments come at a critical time for the administration, as it continues to navigate the complexities of a transitional government and the implementation of peace agreements that have been plagued by delays and internal friction.