President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed Vice President James Wani Igga, appointing Benjamin Bol Mel in his stead and sidelining Yolanda Awel Deng as Health Minister. Josephine Lagu has now taken on the vice presidential duties for the services cluster. Additionally, General Akech Tong Aleu has been replaced as head of the Internal Security Bureau, with General Charles Chiek Mayo temporarily appointed. Tut Gatluak Manime has been designated Ambassador to Kuwait.
On February 10, 2025, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir announced significant changes within his administration, dismissing Vice President James Wani Igga and appointing Benjamin Bol Mel in his place. The announcement was made through state-owned SBBC, emphasizing Kiir’s commitment to reshaping the political landscape. Additionally, Igga has been reassigned as Secretary General of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
Furthermore, President Kiir appointed Josephine Lagu as the new Vice President for the services cluster, succeeding Hussein Abdelbagi Akol. Both Akol and Lagu belong to the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), which encompasses a coalition of various political parties. In a related move, President Kiir assigned Akol to serve as the Minister of Agriculture.
Changing high-ranking security personnel, Kiir replaced the head of the Internal Security Bureau, General Akech Tong Aleu, with General Charles Chiek Mayo, who is currently serving in an acting capacity pending a permanent appointment. General Aleu had only been in his role since October of the previous year, taking over from General Akol Koor.
In another development, President Kiir removed Yolanda Awel Deng, the Health Minister affiliated with the SPLM-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), without appointing a successor. Moreover, Tut Gatluak Manime, who was recently designated as the presidential envoy for the Middle East, has now been named South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, having previously held the position of security advisor to the President.
In conclusion, President Salva Kiir’s recent administrative changes reflect a strategic reorganization within South Sudan’s leadership. The replacement of key figures, including both vice presidents and the health minister, demonstrates Kiir’s efforts to align governance with his political objectives, particularly amidst a backdrop of coalition politics. The appointment of individuals from various political factions signifies an attempt to bolster inclusivity in governance.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
