South Sudan President Dismisses Vice Presidents and National Security Chief

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed Vice Presidents James Wani Igga and Hussein Abdelbagi, as well as National Security Chief Akech Tong Aleu. New appointments include Benjamin Bol Mel and Josephine Lago Yang. The changes highlight the structure of five vice presidents under the 2018 peace agreement.

In a significant political reshuffle, President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan dismissed Vice Presidents James Wani Igga and Hussein Abdelbagi, as well as Akech Tong Aleu, the head of the National Security Service. The announcement was made via a decree broadcast on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation late Monday night.

Following these changes, Benjamin Bol Mel has been appointed to succeed Wani Igga as vice president, representing the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Additionally, Josephine Lago Yang of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) has been appointed to replace Hussein Abdelbagi, who has held his position since 2020 under the revitalized peace agreement.

Wani Igga will transition to the role of Secretary-General of the ruling SPLM party upon his dismissal as vice president. Meanwhile, Charles Chiech Mayor, previously the Deputy Director General of the National Security Service, has been designated as the acting director general of the service. Akech Tong Aleu’s tenure was notably brief, lasting only four months, and the presidency has not provided any reasons for the dismissal of these key officials.

South Sudan’s government structure features an unusual arrangement with five vice presidents, a system that was established in accordance with the 2018 peace agreement. This framework aims to foster cooperation and stability in a nation that has experienced significant political turmoil since its independence in 2011.

In summary, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has enacted significant changes within his administration, dismissing two vice presidents and the national security chief. The new appointments reflect ongoing adjustments within the government, aiming to stabilize the political landscape following the 2018 peace agreement. The reorganization also highlights the unusual structure of five vice presidents, a unique aspect of South Sudan’s governance framework.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr