South Sudan’s opposition leader Riek Machar on Monday removed Adar state governor and his deputy, days after fighting between SPLA-IO forces and armed civilians in the opposition-held area.
In a decree on 5 August, Machar removed Governor Stephen Pal Kun and appointed Stephen Loma Yaka as his successor.
Machar also removed James Ajak Abraham from his position as deputy governor of Adar state and appointed Koang Ruot Luach as his successor.
The order gave no reason for the changes.
However, Manawa Peter Gatkuoth, deputy spokesman of the opposition SPLM-IO, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that the state governor and his deputy were removed for failing to help stop insecurity in the state.
“The changes are definitely connected to the recent incidents in Mawut town. When people die, a decision has to be made,” he stressed.
Heavy fighting erupted recently between rebel fighters loyal to Riek Machar and armed youth from the Cie-Waw community in Maiwut area of Eastern Upper Nile.
Several people are feared to have been killed in clashes between both sides.