Puok Both, SPLM-IO Director for Information, also Acting Press Secretary in the Office of the First Vice President - Courtesy

The SPLM-IO is urging President Salva Kiir to recall his decision to replace the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs in respect of the revitalized agreement.

Puok Both Baluang, the Acting Spokesperson of the First Vice President says the main opposition party was not consulted in the decision to replace Angelina Teny.

Baluang said the presidential decree is a violation of Chapter One of the agreement, which provides for consultation of the parties involved before any appointment or dismissal.

Speaking to Eye Radio, the SPLM-IO official appeals to the president to keep his promise of peace during the visit of the global church leaders.

“It was not recommended by the leadership of the SPLM-IO and we were not consulted. It is a unilateral decision by the president, it is not procedural and a clear violation of the agreement, particularly Chapter One,” he said.

On Friday evening, President Kiir dismissed the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs Angelina Teny and the Minister of Interior General Mahmoud Solomon through Republican Decrees read on the state-owned television – SSBC.

The president removed the two national ministers, without replacements.

President Kiir also issued a similar decree switching the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs to the SPLM party and the Ministry of Interior to the SPLM-IO.

Baluang told Eye Radio that Angelina can only be relieved upon recommendation of the main opposition group.

“If there is any decision to replace her, it must be recommended by the leadership of the SPLM/A IO. Therefore, we urge the president to recall back his decision in respect of the agreement.”

“….and it is a surprise that the decision was made just a month after the visit of the three global church leaders and it is also not binding to their messages that the people of South Sudan must unite, forgive themselves and also show that peace is restored in our country.”

The official says the SPLM-IO leadership will meet and discuss the matter.

He also appealed to the South Sudan peace guarantors and the international community to intervene in what he terms a cycle of agreement violation by the president.

Eye Radio was not immediately able to reach the Government Spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth for comment.