Kiir dismisses his Vice President
In a surprising and dramatic move, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed his Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, a figure widely regarded as a potential successor. The announcement, broadcast on state television, revealed that Bol Mel was stripped of his military rank of general and removed from the national security service. Additionally, the president dismissed the central bank governor and the head of the revenue authority, both believed to be close allies of Bol Mel.
No official explanation was provided for the sudden dismissals which have sparked widespread speculation and concern over the country’s fragile political stability. The moves come at a time when fears of renewed civil war loom large following the breakdown of a recent power-sharing agreement between Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar.
Bol Mel, 47, was appointed vice president in February replacing James Wani Igga and was later promoted to become the first deputy chairman of the ruling SPLM party, an elevation viewed by analysts as positioning him as a potential successor to Kiir who is 74 years old. His promotion to full general in the National Security Service (NSS) further solidified his influence within the government.
Despite being placed under sanctions by the United States in 2017 for alleged corruption and later renewed earlier this year, Bol Mel had maintained a significant political profile. The U.S. Treasury described him as Kiir’s “principal financial advisor,” though Kiir’s office has denied this characterization. Bol Mel has not publicly responded to the corruption allegations or his recent removal.
Sources suggest that Bol Mel’s dismissal may be linked to internal power struggles within the ruling SPLM. A senior government official, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, told the BBC that Bol Mel was considered a “divisive figure” and that his departure was welcomed by many. A taxi driver in Juba also expressed relief, saying, “Everybody hates this man. Even in his hometown of Aweil, people celebrated his dismissal. We are happy for President Kiir.”
Hours prior to his removal, reports indicated that Bol Mel’s security detail was withdrawn from his residence and office in Juba, fueling speculation of internal conflicts.
South Sudan, an oil-rich nation that gained independence from Sudan in 2011 has been plagued by civil war since 2013 following a fallout between Kiir and Machar. Although a 2018 peace agreement temporarily halted large-scale violence, the country continues to face instability, with sporadic clashes and delays in planned elections. Recent escalations include the arrest and charges of Machar earlier this year, who faces allegations of murder, treason and crimes against humanity—charges his spokesperson dismisses as politically motivated.
The political landscape remains tense as South Sudan struggles to achieve lasting peace and stability amid ongoing internal divisions.
