South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed Vice Presidents James Wani Igga and Hussein Abdelbagi, along with National Security Service chief Akech Tong Aleu. New appointments include Benjamin Bol Mel and Josephine Lago Yang. Wani Igga is reassigned as Secretary-General of the SPLM, and the reasons for these actions remain unspecified.
On Monday evening, President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan announced the dismissal of Vice Presidents James Wani Igga and Hussein Abdelbagi, as well as National Security Service head Akech Tong Aleu, through a presidential decree broadcasted on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation. In a subsequent decree, Kiir appointed Benjamin Bol Mel as Wani Igga’s successor, representing the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
Josephine Lago Yang, who leads the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), has been designated to replace Abdelbagi, who has served since 2020 in accordance with the revitalized peace agreement. Following his removal from vice presidency, Wani Igga was reassigned as the Secretary-General of the SPLM. Charles Chiech Mayor, previously the Deputy Director General of the National Security Service, was appointed as the acting director general.
Akech Tong Aleu, who held the post for only four months, was dismissed, although no official explanation was provided for the removals of these senior officials. It is noteworthy that South Sudan maintains a unique governmental structure with five vice presidents, established under the 2018 peace accord.
In summary, the recent dismissal of two vice presidents and the national security chief by President Salva Kiir indicates significant shifts in South Sudan’s political landscape. The appointments of Benjamin Bol Mel and Josephine Lago Yang highlight ongoing changes within the government amid efforts to solidify leadership following the revitalized peace agreement. The absence of an official rationale for these dismissals raises questions regarding the stability and direction of governance in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
