South Sudan President Dismisses Ministers Amid Rising Tensions
President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed three ministers amid growing political unrest that threatens the unity government established by the 2018 peace deal. The reshuffle follows violent confrontations in Nasir, prompting calls from the international community for the advancement of peace and stability in the country.
On Monday evening, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan executed a cabinet reshuffle, dismissing three ministers amid escalating political tensions that compromise the unity of the government formed under the 2018 peace agreement, which concluded the nation’s five-year civil war. The information is reported by News.az citing Xinhua.
In a presidential decree announced via the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, Ruben Madol Arol was removed from the position of minister of justice and constitutional affairs, being succeeded by Wek Mamer Kuol, a former deputy cabinet minister. Additionally, Awut Deng Acuil has been relieved of her responsibilities as minister of general education and instruction, with Kuyok Abol Kuyok stepping into the role. Joseph Mum Majak was also dismissed as minister of trade and industry.
Both Awut Deng and Ruben Madol have occupied their ministerial roles since 2020, while Majak was appointed in July 2024. The president has yet to clarify the reasons behind these dismissals. This cabinet reshuffle follows violent confrontations in Nasir, including an assault on a United Nations aircraft that tragically resulted in the death of UN personnel and numerous soldiers on March 7.
The international community has urged conflicting factions in South Sudan to expedite the transition towards stability, democracy, and lasting peace, emphasizing the necessity to avoid further descent into chaos. Fighting in Nasir, a strategically significant location, has heightened tensions since March 3, leading to the detention of senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), under the leadership of First Vice-President Riek Machar. Reports indicate that over 20 individuals have lost their lives and many others have been injured in clashes near Nasir, close to the border with Ethiopia.
In summary, President Salva Kiir’s recent decision to dismiss three ministers occurs amidst rising political turbulence and violence in South Sudan. The cabinet reshuffle, which lacked provided reasons, comes in the context of increased armed confrontations in Nasir and a call from the international community for a commitment to peace and stability. The evolving political situation remains critical as the nation continues to navigate the complexities resulting from its civil conflict.
Original Source: news.az
