Former Member of Parliament Hon. Reath Muoch Tang has described President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s decision to revoke his appointment to the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) as “unilateral and unconstitutional.”
Hon. Reath, a senior member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), was removed from his parliamentary seat on Monday, prompting strong public reaction and concern from political observers.
In a statement addressed to the people of Nasir County and the wider Upper Nile region, the former lawmaker said he received the news with “clarity and calm resolve,” not bitterness.
“The decision is unilateral and unconstitutional,” Reath said, citing Article 1.9.2.1 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The article states that a Member of Parliament appointed through a party ticket cannot be removed without the consultation and knowledge of that party.
Reath, who was first elected to Parliament in 2010 and recently reappointed under the SPLM-IO ticket, emphasized that his political role has always been rooted in service to the people, not in holding titles.
“Leadership is not about titles. It is about truth-telling and sacrifice. This revocation only strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for peace, justice, and accountability,” he said.
The revocation follows recent controversy surrounding Reath’s participation in an International Monetary Fund (IMF)meeting in New York. His attendance came amid U.S. visa restrictions on several South Sudanese officials. While the official government delegation was eventually allowed to participate, it publicly distanced itself from Reath, asserting that he did not represent the Government of South Sudan.
Now residing in the United States, Hon. Reath used his platform to raise broader concerns about the country’s governance and ongoing humanitarian crises.
“What pains me more than this revocation is the blood being spilled daily and the hardship faced by our people. South Sudan deserves better,” he said.
Despite his removal, Reath reaffirmed his commitment to serving the public.
“This is not the end; it is a beginning. I remain committed to the people of Nasir and South Sudan, whether inside or outside Parliament,” he stated.
Hon. Reath’s dismissal raises critical questions about political inclusivity and the implementation of the peace agreement, particularly the respect for party representation within transitional institutions.
The SPLM-IO has yet to issue an official response to the decision, but political analysts suggest the move could further strain relations between the SPLM and SPLM-IO during a delicate phase of peace implementation.
Observers warn that such actions could undermine trust and cooperation within the transitional government, potentially delaying key reforms and jeopardizing the fragile progress achieved under the R-ARCSS.
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