President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed military, police, and central bank leaders in a sudden reshuffle that includes the appointment of new officials amidst rising discontent among soldiers regarding unpaid wages. This change occurs in a context of ongoing economic struggles and intermittent violence since the nation’s civil war, which has left lasting impacts on governance and stability.
In a significant reshuffle of South Sudan’s security leadership, President Salva Kiir has dismissed the heads of the military, police, and the central bank. This sudden decision, announced by the state broadcaster SSBC, resulted in the appointment of Paul Nang Majok as the new chief of defense forces, replacing General Santino Wol, while Johnny Ohisa Damian was reinstated as governor of the central bank. No official reasons were provided for these dismissals, yet reports suggest they may be linked to unrest within military ranks, as some soldiers have reportedly faced wage delays extending nearly a year.
Furthermore, Kiir has introduced Abraham Peter Manyuat as the new Inspector General of Police, taking over from Atem Marol Biar. This leadership overhaul follows an incident in November when an attempt to detain the former head of the intelligence service led to gunfire in Juba, underscoring ongoing tensions. In previous months, Kiir had also replaced long-serving officials, indicating his administration’s instability amidst a struggling economy still recovering from a devastating civil war which began in 2013.
South Sudan has grappled with instability and economic turmoil since its civil war erupted in 2013, leading to significant humanitarian crises and displacements of a large segment of its population. The nation experienced a degree of formal peace following a 2018 agreement that concluded years of conflict; however, violence among rival communities persists. Frequent changes in leadership, particularly in key sectors like the military and economy, highlight the challenges that the government faces in maintaining stability and progressing towards governance reforms. The postponed national election scheduled for December 2026 further illustrates the fragile state of South Sudan’s political landscape.
The recent dismissals of key security and financial leaders reflect the ongoing challenges faced by President Salva Kiir’s administration. While specific reasons for these changes remain unclear, underlying issues such as discontent among military personnel and economic hardships likely influenced these decisions. As South Sudan navigates its complex political and economic environment, the ramifications of these leadership changes will be closely monitored by both national and international observers.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
