The leader of the SPLM in Opposition in Juba, First Vice President Taban Deng Gai, has appointed 15 members to replace those representing the group in the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission and its institutions.

The appointments also include new representatives to replace those in other subcommittees of the JMEC.

The members being replaced were appointed by the Former First Vice President, Dr Riek Machar before returned to Juba after the signing of the peace agreement.

In a letter seen by Eye Radio, to the JMEC Chairperson Festus Mogae, Mr Taban Deng Gai appointed Dr. Dhieu Mathok Diing as the Chairperson of IO group to the body, and Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, as member.

He appointed the Minister for Federal Affairs, Dr Richard K Mulla as the Chairperson of the group to the Constitutional Amendment Commission, and John Clement Kuc, as member.

To the Ceasefire Security Arrangement Monitoring Mechanism, Taban Deng appointed Okot Otim David as the chairperson of IO group and Chol Diew Nguntap and Nin Tut Kueth as members.

He also appointed Mary Nyariek Lorjok, a representative for the civil society, as member of the IO in the Ceasefire and Transition Security Arrangement Monitoring Mechanism.

Lt General Gatkuoth Gatkuoth Hothnyang has been appointed as the Chairperson of the IO in the Joint Military Ceasefire Committee and Lt General Thoy Chan Reat and Major General Gabriel Gatwech Puoch, as members.

And to the Strategic Defense and Security Review, SDSR, Sophia Pal Gai has been appointed Chairperson of the opposition group, to which, Major General Khamis Abdul Latif Shawol, Major General Dak Ajak Yawin and Thiji Dedut Sankara will be members.

The letter, dated September 5 contains the signature of the First Vice President, and the seal of his office.

For its part, the SPLM in Opposition group under the leadership of Dr Riek Machar has criticized the new appointments by the current First Vice President.

It says it does not recognize the appointments.

“This is a continuation of the violation of the peace agreement, starting with the illegal appointment of Taban Deng Gai,” said James Gadet, the Spokesperson of Dr Riek Machar.

“We do not recognize any changes taking place in Juba while we have been away. So the parties to the implementation of the peace agreement should declare such illegal moves as null and void.”

The institutions under the JMEC work on various aspects of the implementation of the peace agreement.

The JMEC is yet to give its response.