South Sudan President Dismisses Ministers Amid Growing Political Tensions
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed three ministers amidst escalating political tensions threatening the unity government established under a 2018 peace deal. The reshuffle occurs following violent incidents in Nasir, with calls from the international community for stability and peace in the region.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has made significant changes to his cabinet by dismissing three ministers amidst a growing political crisis that jeopardizes the unity government established under the 2018 peace agreement, which brought an end to the nation’s five-year civil war. This reshuffle was reported by Xinhua and aired on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation.
The ministers dismissed include Ruben Madol Arol, who served as minister of justice and constitutional affairs, replaced by Wek Mamer Kuol, a former deputy cabinet minister. Awut Deng Acuil, minister of general education and instruction, has been succeeded by Kuyok Abol Kuyok, while Joseph Mum Majak has been relieved of his position as minister of trade and industry. Both Madol and Deng have been in their roles since 2020, and Majak was appointed just a few months ago in July 2024. President Kiir did not disclose reasons for these dismissals.
This cabinet change comes after violent incidents in Nasir, including an assault on a United Nations aircraft that resulted in casualties among UN personnel and South Sudanese soldiers on March 7. The international community has urged all factions within South Sudan to work towards restoring stability and ensuring peace to avoid further chaos in the region.
The heightening conflict in Nasir, a vital location near the South Sudan-Ethiopia border, has led to significant unrest since March 3. This situation has seen the detention of several high-ranking members from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), under First Vice-President Riek Machar. Reports indicate that more than twenty individuals have lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries in these recent confrontations.
The recent cabinet reshuffle in South Sudan by President Salva Kiir reflects the growing tensions within the government, following violent encounters in Nasir. As the international community calls for stabilization and peace, it is imperative for all parties to work towards harmony to prevent a regression into chaos. Significant casualties and arrests illustrate the precariousness of the current situation in the country.
Original Source: news.az
