South Sudan President Dismisses Three Ministers Amid Ongoing Tensions
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Synopsis
On March 11, South Sudan President Salva Kiir enacted a cabinet reshuffle, dismissing three ministers amid a political crisis affecting the unity government formed from the 2018 peace agreement that ended the civil war. The reshuffle follows increased tensions in Nasir, following armed confrontations and attacks on UN personnel.
Key Takeaways
- South Sudan President Salva Kiir dismissed three ministers.
- Reshuffle occurs amid ongoing political unrest.
- New ministers appointed include Wek Mamer Kuol and Kuyok Abol Kuyok.
- Recent violence in Nasir has escalated tensions.
- International community calls for stability and peace.
Juba, March 11 (NationPress) - In a significant cabinet reshuffle on Monday, South Sudan President Salva Kiir has removed three ministers amidst a continuing political crisis that threatens the unity government established by a 2018 peace agreement which concluded the nation’s five-year civil war.
A decree broadcast by the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation revealed that Ruben Madol Arol was ousted from his position as minister of justice and constitutional affairs, with Wek Mamer Kuol, a former deputy cabinet minister, taking over.
Awut Deng Acuil, who served as minister of general education and instruction, has been replaced by education expert Kuyok Abol Kuyok. Additionally, Joseph Mum Majak has been dismissed from his role as minister of trade and industry.
Both Deng and Madol have been part of the ministerial team since 2020, while Majak was appointed in July 2024. The president did not disclose reasons for their dismissals.
This cabinet reshuffle follows recent armed confrontations in Nasir, including an attack on a United Nations aircraft that resulted in the deaths of UN personnel and numerous soldiers on March 7.
The global community has urged the conflicting factions in South Sudan to enhance the transition towards stability, democracy, and enduring peace, emphasizing the need to avert a return to chaos.
Fighting in Nasir, a strategically important town, has heightened tensions since March 3, leading to the arrest of senior officials from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), which is led by First Vice-President Riek Machar.
Reports indicate that over 20 individuals have lost their lives, with several others injured near the border of South Sudan and Ethiopia, as per the Xinhua news agency.
Clashes began in mid-February between the South Sudan People's Defence Forces and armed civilian groups in Nasir County. Tensions have increased following the government's announcement to deploy new troops to the area to rotate those stationed there for several years.
