The government spokesperson has defended the president in regards to the sacking of the defense minister and swapping of the security ministries – a move SPLM-IO objected to.
Michael Makuei says the president is the supreme authority that appoints and relieves officials; and should not be questioned.
“Even Riek Machar was appointed by the president, so the final authority that makes the appointments is the president; and he’s the final authority that relieves,” Makuei told reporters in Juba on Friday.
“To me, it is not a violation; they (Kiir and Machar) are continuing as long as they are talking.”
However, Article 1.13.1 of the peace agreement states that “Each party may remove its representatives in the Council of Ministers and nominate replacements by notifying the President with at least fourteen 14) days’ notice.”
Inn addition, Article 1.9.1 states that “The Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity is founded on the premise that there shall be collegial collaboration in decision-making and continuous consultations within the Presidency, between the President, the First Vice President, and the Four Vice Presidents, to ensure effective governance during the Transitional Period.”
The SPLM-IO political bureau said the president has violated both articles and this creates the standoff between the principals but Makuei don’t subscribes to the deadlocks.
“In my conclusion, there are no disputes; there is nothing done, and they (Machar and Kiir) are negotiating,” Makuei said, adding that the public should remain
The Constitution of South Sudan 2011 as amended grants the president powers to appoint and remove the national executives.
