By Alan Clement
Twic East County Member of Parliament, Deng Dau Deng, has dismissed reports claiming local leaders had resolved to impeach him over alleged poor performance, stating he has no knowledge of any such move.
In an exclusive interview, Deng Dau Deng said he was unaware of any formal proceedings initiated by groups in Juba, adding that the organizations reportedly involved are humanitarian in nature and not mandated to engage in political affairs.
“I have no clue about the impeachment and all that,” Deng Dau told this outlet adding; “The associations that have called the meeting are humanitarian groups meant to complement community needs, not to involve themselves in political matters.”
He said the alleged meeting in Juba had no official bearing on the constituency, stressing that Twic East remains firmly under the SPLM political structure.
“Juba is cosmopolitan, where you have many societies that live in. I represent the SPLM and the members of the SPLM in the larger Twic East County. I have no idea about that kind of thing; there’s no idea at all,” he reiterated.
The lawmaker’s sentiments were echoed by the Chairperson of Twic East Youth Association in Juba, Deng William Kuir, who dismissed the impeachment narrative as a “social media fabrication,” noting that community members merely exercised their right to criticize leadership.
It is a social media thing. What happened is normal criticism. Leaders are criticized publicly-that’s the role of citizens,” he told this outlet.
Deng also clarified that while individual members of the community voiced concerns about MP Deng Dau’s performance, there was no organized or official impeachment effort underway.
“They expressed their dissatisfaction, which is okay. But anything to do with impeachment is misplaced. It is not there,” Kuir stated.
He further emphasized that the Twic East community remains united and focused on peace and development.
“Twic East community is united. They are focusing on development, the unity of the people, and their neighbors. They are behind President Salva Kiir Mayardit in pursuit of national peace and stability,” he added.
The comments come amid widespread social media speculation that Twic East leaders had signed a petition to remove the MP, a claim both the lawmaker and community representatives now strongly refute.
According to Article 63 of the Constitution, a member of the National Legislative Assembly or the Council of States may lose their seat through a resolution passed by the respective House under specific circumstances.
These include cases of mental or physical incapacity, conviction for offences involving dishonesty or moral misconduct, declaration of bankruptcy, prolonged absence without permission, or voluntary resignation submitted in writing.
The provision further stipulates that a member shall also forfeit their seat upon changing political affiliation or party, assuming another constitutional office at the state or local government level, or in the event of death.
Once a seat becomes vacant, Article 63(2) directs that it be filled in accordance with the procedures outlined under Article 64 of the Constitution.