President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has sacked two vice-presidents and the spy chief amid ongoing governmental tensions following the civil war. The changes come without provided reasons but highlight a consolidation of power under Kiir’s administration, consistent with the prerogatives granted by the 2018 peace agreement. The political landscape remains precarious as the nation continues to navigate delays in its electoral process.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed two vice-presidents and the country’s spy chief in a significant reshuffle, as reported through several presidential decrees on state media. Although the reasons for such a major decision remain undisclosed, these changes reflect ongoing tensions within the government following the civil war that erupted after Kiir’s fallout with his deputy. The president’s authority to make these appointments and dismissals stems from a 2018 peace agreement aimed at stabilizing the nation.
Among those removed, James Wani Igga, who has held the vice-presidency since 2013, and Hussein Abdelbagi Akol from an opposition alliance were particularly noteworthy. Akol has been reassigned as the Minister for Agriculture, while Igga’s position is to be filled by Benjamin Bol Mel, who previously served as a special envoy and has faced corruption allegations from the U.S. This reshuffle highlights the precarious nature of the power-sharing agreement established to address the country’s post-war governance structure.
The impact of these changes on the current political landscape remains uncertain, especially regarding the governance roles of officials from Riek Machar’s SPLM-In Opposition party, as replacements for the dismissed health minister and Western Equatoria governor have not yet been named. The swift changes also left the spy chief position vacant, a role Akec Tong Aleu had held for merely four months. Kiir’s control over appointments signals a continued consolidation of power in his administration.
Elections in South Sudan have faced significant delays; the previous elections were expected in 2015 but were abandoned due to conflict, and subsequent polls have been postponed multiple times. The next elections are now scheduled for December 2026, but skepticism persists about the government’s ability to foster a stable political environment in the lead-up to these anticipated events.
In summary, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has enacted significant leadership changes, removing two vice-presidents and the spy chief, potentially altering the balance of power within the government. The reasons behind these dismissals remain unclear, amid ongoing tensions from the civil conflict. As South Sudan faces further political challenges, the upcoming elections in 2026 will be critical for the nation’s future stability.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
