By Enyichukwu Enemanna
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, has sacked the Foreign and International Cooperation Minister Mayiik Ayii Deng in a sudden cabinet shakeup, the third in one month.
Kiir had last week sacked Defence Minister Angelina Teny and Interior Minister Mahmoud Solomon.
The foreign minister’s sack in a presidential decree late Wednesday was aired on state-owned Television South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).
No reason was given for the dismissal.
Kiir did not name a replacement but he directed Deputy Foreign Minister Deng Dau to act as minister until one is appointed.
Mayiik Ayii Deng was appointed in September 2021 as foreign minister, replacing Beatrice Khamisa Wani.
The armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) led by First Vice President Riek Machar had rejected the unilateral removal of the Defence minister, calling for reinstatement.
In August last year, the parties to the country’s revitalised peace agreement announced the extension of the transitional government for additional 24 months.