South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has dismissed two senior aides following the appointment of a deceased individual to lead negotiations ahead of December’s election.

Steward Soroba Budiya, an opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) member, was named by presidential order late last week, but local media reported that he had died five years ago. The announcement drew attention on social media, intensifying scrutiny of the administration.

A statement confirmed the dismissal of Presidential Press Secretary David Amor and Head of Presidential Affairs Valentino Del Mulete, though it did not specify a reason. Kiir expressed “great gratitude” for their contributions, posting the statement on his official Facebook page.

At a Monday press conference, Amor said the individuals had been selected for the negotiation panel from among “those who were vetted and approached,” adding that the issue arose from submitting documents “without proper verification.”

Amor did not identify the individuals involved, and the UDP has not yet commented.