First Deputy Speaker change: Ambrose Pitia replaces Oyet Nathaniel
Ambrose Lomin Pitia | Credit | Courtesy

Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba has appointed Ambrose Lomin Pitia as the new First Deputy Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA).

The appointment announced during an extraordinary parliamentary session on Thursday, replaces Oyet Nathaniel Perino, who is currently in exile for fear of arrest.

Oyet and several of his SPLM-IO colleagues, including General Yey Dak from the National Security Service, General Wilson Walebe from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, and Minister Pal Mai Deng among others fled Juba in March 2025 out of fear of arrest. Their current locations remained unknown.

After their flee, other SPLM-IO members, including First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, were arrested detained in connection with the Nasir conflict.

These events caused a split within the SPLM-IO with Oyet as Machar’s deputy, leading a faction from exile. Meanwhile, Ambassador Stephen Par installed himself as interim chairman of the SPLM-IO in Machar’s absence, despite being suspended by Oyet over claims of supporting SPLM-IG activities aimed at abrogating the 2018 peace deal.

With Oyet and Par leading different factions, the SPLM-IO divided into two groups and four at some points as described by the government. Par’s faction, based in Juba, has been recognized by the government and given authority to replace SPLM-IO officials in government positions loyal to Oyet.

Par has recommended several replacements, including the appointment of Ambrose Pitia as First Deputy Speaker. Pitia, a senior SPLM-IO member, was recommended by Stephen Par in consultation with the president and officially appointed by Speaker Nunu Kumba.

Before his appointment, he served as chairperson of the specialized standing committee on Land and Physical Infrastructure in Parliament.

In August 2025, President Salva Kiir revoked Oyet's appointment, along with those of other SPLM-IO officials, including Deng Deng Akon and Faruk Gatkuoth.

These changes are happening amid rising political tensions after the arrest of Dr. Riek Machar and Oyet’s departure from Juba.