President Salva Kiir Reshapes South Sudan’s Government Leadership

On February 10, 2025, President Salva Kiir dismissed Vice President James Wani Igga and appointed Benjamin Bol Mel as his replacement. Josephine Lagu was appointed as Vice President for the services cluster, while Yolanda Awel Deng was removed as Health Minister. In another significant change, General Akech Tong Aleu was replaced in the security bureau, with General Charles Chiek Mayo appointed as his temporary successor. Tut Gatluak Manime was named South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kuwait.

On February 10, 2025, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan announced significant changes within his government, dismissing long-serving Vice President James Wani Igga and appointing Benjamin Bol Mel as his successor. The transition was communicated through state-owned media, SBBC, and marks a notable alteration in the administration’s hierarchy. Furthermore, Igga has been reassigned to serve as the Secretary General of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

In an additional reshuffle, Josephine Lagu was appointed as the Vice President for the services cluster, taking over from Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, a member of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA). Akol is now to serve as the Minister of Agriculture, reflecting Kiir’s effort to consolidate power and involve opposition figures in governance. Meanwhile, the leadership of the Internal Security Bureau has also seen changes, with General Akech Tong Aleu replaced by General Charles Chiek Mayo in an acting role.

President Kiir has also removed the Health Minister, Yolanda Awel Deng, who represented an armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO); however, a successor has not yet been appointed. Further appointments include Tut Gatluak Manime, who was designated South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kuwait, building upon his recent role as the presidential envoy for the Middle East. This series of appointments underscores Kiir’s ongoing strategy to navigate complex political dynamics in the country.

In summary, President Salva Kiir has enacted a series of significant government changes, including the dismissal of Vice President James Wani Igga and the appointment of new leadership figures, including Josephine Lagu and Benjamin Bol Mel. He has also reshuffled the health and security ministries, demonstrating his intent to solidify his administration’s stability while engaging opposition factions. These developments reflect the shifting political landscape in South Sudan as the President responds to ongoing challenges.

Original Source: sudantribune.com