South Sudan’s President Fires Vice-President In Surprise Power Shake-Up

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed one of his vice-presidents, Benjamin Bol Mel, a move that has sent shockwaves through the country’s political establishment. 

Bol Mel, widely viewed as a potential successor to Kiir, was stripped of his military rank of general and removed from the National Security Service.

The announcement, made through a presidential decree broadcast on state television, also confirmed the sacking of the central bank governor and the head of the revenue authority both seen as Bol Mel’s close allies. No official reason was provided for the dismissals.

The unexpected move comes amid rising fears of political instability and a potential return to civil war, following the collapse of a fragile power-sharing agreement between Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar.

Bol Mel, 47, had only been appointed vice-president in February, replacing long-serving politician James Wani Igga. His swift rise to prominence within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) where he was also elevated to first deputy chairman positioned him as a likely successor to the 74-year-old president.

Analysts believe that Bol Mel’s growing influence within both the party and the military may have contributed to tensions inside the government.

Bol Mel’s ascent to power had already drawn international scrutiny. In 2017, the US Treasury sanctioned him for alleged corruption, describing him as Kiir’s “principal financial advisor.” These sanctions were renewed earlier in 2025. 

However, the South Sudanese presidency rejected the characterization, and Bol Mel himself has never publicly responded to the accusations.

Despite the controversy, Kiir promoted him to the rank of general in the National Security Service, further consolidating his power. His sudden removal, therefore, marks a dramatic reversal of fortunes.

The dismissals have sparked mixed reactions across Juba, the South Sudanese capital.

Observers warn that Bol Mel’s dismissal, coming so soon after Machar’s ouster, could deepen divisions within the ruling party and risk further destabilizing the already fragile nation.

At the time of reporting, President Kiir has not announced replacements for any of the key positions vacated by Bol Mel and his allies.