Information Minister Michael Makuei addressing the media, on 13 May 2018 | photo | Emmanuela Erasto/Eye Radio

The government spokesperson is urging the public not to pay attention to the controversies over the removal of the Defense Minister saying the peace agreement is moving on well.

Last Friday, President Salva Kiir sacked Denfese Minister Angelina Teny and switched the ministry to his party, SPLM.

He also fired Interior Minister General Mahmoud Solomon and handed the Interior Ministry to the SPLM-IO.

However, Machar’s camp condemned the reshuffle and demanded the defense minister be reinstated.

The main opposition party said the decision was unilateral and a violation of the peace agreement.

Speaking to reporters in Juba following a cabinet meeting, Minister Makuei said the President and his First Deputy met on Friday, without stating the outcome of the meeting.

However, he assured the public that the peace agreement is moving on course.

“My message to the public is that don’t pay attention to what is happening. Be assured that the agreement is moving on well, the implementation is going on, and if there is any issue in the presidency, they will be addressed,’

‘There is nothing that needs me to say whether there is a violation of the agreement or not.  “To me, it is not a violation, as long as they are talking,” Makuei added.

When contacted, the press unit of the president says it was preparing a statement on the meeting.

On Thursday, the Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint and Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Charles Tai Gituai encouraged consultation among parties to resolve the removal of the minister of defense and veteran affairs.