In a dramatic political shift, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has removed Vice-President Benjamin Bol Mel from his position, further complicating the nation’s already tumultuous political landscape. This decision was accompanied by the stripping of Bol Mel’s military title and his dismissal from the national security service, signaling a significant alteration in the power dynamics within the country.
Dismissals amid rising tensions
The decree announcing these dismissals aired on state television without providing any rationale for the sudden changes. Alongside Bol Mel, the president also terminated the central bank governor and the head of the revenue authority, both of whom were seen as close allies of the ousted vice-president. This move raises eyebrows amidst growing concerns regarding political stability in South Sudan, especially following the recent collapse of a fragile power-sharing agreement between Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar.
Bol Mel, who was appointed to the vice-presidency just a few months ago in February, had replaced veteran politician James Wani Igga. His promotion to the first deputy chairman of the ruling SPLM party was interpreted by analysts as positioning him as a potential successor to the 74-year-old Kiir. His rapid ascent included being promoted to the rank of general in the National Security Service (NSS).
Controversial past and allegations
Despite his influential role, Bol Mel’s tenure has been marred by controversy. He has been under U.S. sanctions since 2017 due to allegations of corruption, with these sanctions renewed earlier this year. The U.S. Treasury has characterized him as Kiir’s “principal financial advisor,” a claim that Kiir’s office has publicly rejected. Bol Mel has not addressed these corruption allegations or commented on his recent dismissal.
“It’s good that he has gone,” shared a senior official within the government, who opted for anonymity due to safety considerations. This perspective reflects the divided sentiment regarding Bol Mel’s influence in the administration.
As South Sudan grapples with its complex political realities, the nation—rich in oil resources—has faced significant challenges since gaining independence in 2011. The civil unrest that erupted two years later, following a fallout between Kiir and Machar, has continued to cast a long shadow over the region. The 2018 power-sharing agreement designed to quell the violence has been consistently undermined by persistent tensions and outbreaks of violence.
In a further indication of the precarious state of governance, plans for elections have been delayed twice in the past three years, while clashes between government forces and armed groups are now more frequent. Earlier this year, Machar was dismissed from his vice-presidential role and subsequently arrested on serious charges, including murder and treason, which have been labeled by his spokesperson as part of a “political witch-hunt.” This ongoing case, stemming from a militia attack that reportedly caused the deaths of 250 soldiers and a general, continues to elevate fears of renewed unrest in the region.