Joseph Ngere Paciko Appointed Speaker of South Sudan’s Transitional Parliament

(JUBA)– South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on Tuesday morning appointed Joseph Ngere Paciko as the new Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, elevating a seasoned SPLM politician with a career spanning over four decades of rebellion, governance, and legislative service. Radio Tamazuj reported.

Ngere, 66, hails from Bangolo Payam in Mundri West County, Western Equatoria State. Born on January 1, 1960, he is married with children. He joined the SPLM/A during the Second Sudanese Civil War in 1988 and has been an active participant in the movement ever since.

He became a member of the National Liberation Council (NLA) in 2008 and has served as a Member of Parliament in the National Legislative Assembly on the SPLM party list since 2010. From 2010 to 2026, he was a member of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security and Public Order.

Throughout the liberation struggle, the post-Comprehensive Peace Agreement period, and after independence, Ngere attended numerous party leadership training programs organized by the SPLM both domestically and internationally.

Ngere is recognized as one of the longest-serving deputy governors in Western Equatoria State, having served under three governors: Gen. Patrick Zamoi (2005–2007), Samuel Abujohn Kabashi (2007–2008), and Jemma Nunu Kumba (2008–2010).

His performance earned him the confidence of President Kiir. During the 32 states era, he was appointed Governor and Interim Chairperson of the SPLM in the now-defunct Amadi State, serving from 2015 to 2020.

Ngere assumes the speakership at a pivotal time as South Sudan prepares for general elections in December, with the transitional parliament expected to play a key role in legislation, oversight, and ensuring a smooth electoral process.