President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed key military and banking officials, including the army chief and central bank governor, amidst ongoing concerns over security and stability in the country. The changes were announced through state media, but reasons for the reorganization were not specified.
On December 9, 2024, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan executed a significant reshuffle within the country’s military and financial sectors. He dismissed General Santino Deng Wol from his position as Chief of Staff of the Army and subsequently appointed General Paul Nang Majok as his successor. Furthermore, Kiir transferred General Wok to serve as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs, succeeding Atak Santino Majak.
In another notable change, Kiir ousted James Alic Garang Alic from his role as the governor of the Bank of South Sudan (BoSS) and reinstated Johnny Ohisa Damian as the new governor, a position he had previously held. Additionally, General Abraham Peter Manyuat was designated as the Inspector General of the South Sudan Police Service, taking over from General Atem Marol Biar. In the Ministry of Finance, Garang Majak was relieved of his duties as the first Undersecretary, with Arop Nuoi Arop appointed in his stead.
The decrees, which were communicated via the state-owned television, SSBC, did not provide any explicit reasons for these significant changes in leadership. Last month, President Kiir had called for investigations into a violent incident involving former intelligence director General Akol Koor Kuc, during which four individuals were killed and several others wounded. It remains uncertain if the recent military alterations are connected to the incident at General Akol’s residence.
This recent reshuffle reflects ongoing dynamics within South Sudan’s political and security landscape. President Salva Kiir has previously been under scrutiny for stability within the military and banking sectors, which are essential to the country’s governance and security. Kiir’s decision to replace several high-ranking officials comes amidst a backdrop of violence, particularly the recent shootout that resulted in fatalities. The dismissals may suggest an attempt to assert more control over security and economic management in South Sudan following troubling events.
In summary, President Salva Kiir’s recent appointments and dismissals within the military and financial sectors indicate a potential reorganization in response to security challenges. The shifts seem aimed at enhancing stability in critical areas, although the lack of detailed explanations leaves room for speculation regarding their motivations and implications. Observers will continue to monitor the situation closely to ascertain whether these changes yield the intended improvements in governance and security in South Sudan.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
