JUBA/YAMBIO — President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a sweeping series of presidential decrees. These decrees overhaul the Western Equatoria State (WES) government. They systematically relieve and replace over a dozen officials affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–In Opposition (SPLM-IO).
The decrees were disseminated late Friday, March 13, 2026, via official state communication channels. They represent a major reconfiguration of the state’s executive cabinet, independent commissions, and local county leadership.
The Cabinet and Executive Shakeup
The most significant alterations occurred within the state ministries. Changes also took place in the governor’s advisory team. These changes targeted portfolios critical to state economics. They also targeted public messaging.
- Finance & Planning: Hon. Morris Bazia was relieved as Minister of Finance, Planning and Investment, replaced by newly appointed Hon. Bakiki Simple John Francis.
- Information & Communication: Hon. Elia Usini Dominic was dismissed from his role as Minister of Information, with Hon. Mohamed Juma Bistin appointed to take over the portfolio.
- Legal Affairs: Hon. Azera Mina was removed as State Legal Advisor, succeeded by Hon. Costa F. Akile Fulanguru.
- Labour & Public Service: Hon. Isaac Mursal was also relieved of his ministerial duties, though a direct replacement was not immediately named in the initial decree broadcast.
Commissions and Local Government Reconfiguration
The overhaul extended deeply into the state’s independent commissions. It also reached local government structures. These areas have recently been flashpoints for political friction in Western Equatoria.
- Anti-Corruption & Human Rights: Hon. Abuida Samuel (Chairperson, Anti-Corruption) and Hon. Charles Alley (Deputy Chairperson, Human Rights) were dismissed. They have been replaced by Hon. Bazia Tito Morris and Hon. Hipai Regina Romano, respectively.
- County Commissioners: The political leadership of three critical counties has been entirely replaced.
- Nagero County: Hon. Henry Bangagada was replaced by Hon. Nicola Vero Usini.
- Mvolo County: Hon. Ruben Amai was replaced by Hon. Isaac Sebit Brown.
- Nzara County: In a notable internal reassignment, Hon. Isaac Atoroba Moses was moved from his position on the Conflict Resolution Committee to take over as the new Commissioner of Nzara County, replacing Hon. Lino Futaki Kuago.
The Political Context
Under the framework of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement (R-ARCSS), specific parties like the SPLM-IO must fill allocated positions. The party’s leadership must hand in nominees. A mass reshuffle of this scale typically indicates a coordinated internal reorganization initiated by the interim Chairperson of the SPLM-IO Hon. Stephen Phar Kuol. He aims to strengthen party discipline at the state level. However, this move places immediate operational pressure on the WES government under Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa