South Sudan’s Kiir replaces two vice-presidents, spy chief
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed his intelligence chief and two of the country’s vice-presidents, replacing one of his closest allies with a senior advisor whom analysts believe Kiir may be readying to succeed him.
South Sudan has been formally at peace since a 2018 deal ended a five-year civil war in which hundreds of thousands of people died.
But the country remains in the grip of a humanitarian crisis because of sporadic violence, food insecurity, poor healthcare and extreme weather.
In several decrees announced by newsreaders on the state broadcaster late on Monday, Kiir removed long-serving Vice-President James Wani Igga and promoted in his place Benjamin Bol Mel, a close advisor seen as having growing influence over decision-making in the government.
Bol Mel, a businessman designated on the United States’ sanctions list for his links to construction firms accused of money-laundering, will head the economic portfolio of ministries.
“All indicators around Bol Mel show… that Bol is the only power to reckon with within South Sudan,” Abraham Kuol Nyuon, Professor of Political Science at the University of Juba, told Reuters.
“It seems to me the president might have a plan for him as somebody who (has) had an interest in trying to promote the interest of the president,” he added.
Reuters was not immediately able to seek comment from Bol Mel.
Wani Igga’s deputy press secretary said the outgoing vice-president wished all the best to those taking over and continuing with nation-building.
Kiir, who is 73, also replaced his National Security Service (NSS) chief, Akec Tong Aleu, with Charles Chiek Mayo, who will serve on an acting basis until a permanent replacement is found.
South Sudan has five vice-presidents, with Kiir’s longtime rival and opposition leader Riek Machar serving as first vice-president.
National elections have been delayed twice as disagreements between Kiir and Machar – who led opposing sides in the civil war – have complicated the implementation of the peace process.
Abrupt changes to senior posts have been frequent in recent years.
Analysts believe Kiir’s latest reshuffle is aimed at consolidating his power within the ruling party ahead of long-delayed elections which are expected to be held next year.
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