Impeachment of Joseph Opio Wilson Okullo
On Wednesday, Eastern Equatoria’s authorities reiterated that former parliamentary affairs minister Joseph Opio Wilson Okullo was removed from office in December 2022 after legislators impeached him over an alleged unauthorized vehicle sale.
Government Warns of ‘Ghost Minister’ Claims
Information minister Elia John Ahaji told reporters that Okullo’s continued use of the ministerial title while meeting diplomats and journalists constitutes a criminal offense, adding that any institution dealing with him does so at its own risk.
Ahaji insisted the government will seek legal redress to curb what he called “illegal engagement” and to protect the state’s image domestically and abroad.
Diplomatic Missions Put on Notice
The statement explicitly asked foreign embassies, United Nations agencies and private firms to regard Okullo only as a private citizen, stressing that Eastern Equatoria will not recognize agreements or correspondence bearing his signature.
Opposition Party Dynamics
Okullo and his successor, Peter Gumbo, both belong to the Other Political Party, a smaller signatory of South Sudan’s 2018 revitalized peace accord that shares administrative slots with the former belligerents.
Analysts say the episode illustrates the fragile cohesion within coalition structures, where local rivalries sometimes surface despite the national leadership’s call for unity.
Peace Deal Faces Persistent Delays
Implementation of the 2018 agreement has missed several deadlines for security reforms, a permanent constitution and elections, leaving regional observers cautious yet hopeful about continued dialogue among stakeholders.
“The coalition remains the best guarantee against relapse into conflict, but adherence to institutional procedures is essential,” said Juba-based governance researcher Nyachan Chol.
Attempts to reach Okullo for comment were unsuccessful on Wednesday, and his party has not issued an official statement.