Oyet Issues Nyirol Commissioner and SPLA-IO Spokesperson Appointments Amid Rival Authority Claims
JUBA, 9 October 2026 — Two documents dated 8 October and supplied to South Sudan Press show SPLM/A-IO acting chairman Oyet Nathaniel Pierino naming Hon. John Biel Wicluoth as commissioner of Nyirol County and Col. Wayi Godwill Edward as spokesperson of the SPLA-IO.
Both document images bear Oyet’s printed name, a signature and a seal. South Sudan Press has reviewed the images but has not independently authenticated the originals or confirmed that the appointees have assumed their duties.
The Nyirol appointment comes amid competing claims of administrative authority. Jonglei’s caretaker administration has separately named Chuol Diu Teny as caretaker commissioner of Nyirol County. The two appointments must be identified by their issuing authorities; neither document alone establishes who administers the county in practice.
The spokesperson appointment also needs clarification. An earlier order in Oyet’s name appointed Dr. Isaac Gang Kueth to a political information and spokesperson role. The new document names Wayi as SPLA-IO spokesperson, but does not explain how the military and political communication roles relate. Authority within the wider SPLM/A-IO remains contested.
A statement circulating with the appointments congratulates the incoming officials and praises former SPLM/A-IO-appointed Nyirol commissioner Peter Gatkuoth Koang for a peaceful handover. South Sudan Press has not yet independently confirmed the ceremony, its location or what responsibilities were transferred.
What remains to establish: whether Wicluoth and Wayi have accepted and begun their roles; which offices and personnel recognise their instructions; and whether county residents’ access to services has changed. South Sudan Press is seeking responses from the appointees, Gatkuoth, Oyet’s office and Jonglei’s caretaker administration.
Further reporting: Jonglei caretaker appointments; earlier SPLM/A-IO spokesperson dispute.