South Sudan President Removes Vice-President Amid Political Uncertainty

Published: 14 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

In a dramatic and unexpected political shake-up, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has removed Vice-President Benjamin Bol Mel from his position, stripping him of his military rank and other key roles in a move that has intensified concerns about the stability of the world’s youngest nation. Bol Mel, widely considered a potential successor to the 74-year-old Kiir, was dismissed from his post as vice-president, as well as from his role in the National Security Service (NSS). Alongside this decision, Kiir also removed the central bank governor and the head of the national revenue authority, both seen as close allies of Bol Mel.

The decree announcing these dismissals was broadcast on state television, yet provided no explanation for the sudden action. Observers note that the move comes amid growing fears that political instability could lead to renewed violence, following the breakdown of a fragile power-sharing agreement between President Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar. Analysts warn that South Sudan, already plagued by years of internal conflict, may be inching closer to civil unrest once more.

Benjamin Bol Mel, 47, responded to his dismissal with an unusually restrained statement, offering thanks to President Kiir for the opportunity to serve the nation. In a letter released publicly, he wrote, “I extend my deepest gratitude to you for granting me the privilege to serve the people of South Sudan as vice president. I have full confidence that South Sudan and the SPLM [Sudan People’s Liberation Movement] will continue to rise under your stewardship.”

Bol Mel’s tenure as vice-president was brief but influential. Appointed in February to replace James Wani Igga, a veteran politician and military general, he quickly rose within the ruling SPLM party to become its first deputy chairman. This elevation gave him enhanced authority within the party and positioned him as a possible successor to Kiir. To consolidate his power, Kiir promoted him to the full rank of general in the National Security Service, solidifying his influence over both political and military structures.

Despite his rise, Bol Mel has faced allegations of corruption, dating back to 2017 when the United States imposed sanctions on him for purported financial misconduct. Earlier this year, these sanctions were renewed, with the US Treasury describing him as Kiir’s “principal financial advisor,” a characterization disputed by Kiir’s office. Bol Mel has not publicly responded to these accusations.

The recent dismissals have not included announcements of replacements for Bol Mel or the other officials removed. The lack of transparency has fueled speculation of an internal power struggle within the SPLM, with observers suggesting that Kiir may be consolidating power amid fears of factionalism within the party. A senior government official, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, described Bol Mel as a “divisive figure” whose presence in government had been increasingly contentious.

Public reaction in the capital, Juba, has been mixed, though some citizens expressed relief at Bol Mel’s removal. A taxi driver in Juba told the BBC, “Everybody hates this man. Even in his home town of Aweil, people celebrated his dismissal. We are happy for President Kiir.” Reports also indicated that, hours before the official announcement, Bol Mel’s security detail had been withdrawn from his residence and office, a move interpreted as a clear signal of his diminishing influence.

South Sudan’s political landscape remains volatile, shaped by decades of conflict and instability. The nation, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, was engulfed by civil war just two years later after President Kiir and former Vice-President Riek Machar fell out. Sporadic fighting has continued despite multiple peace agreements, including the 2018 power-sharing accord that formally ended the civil war. This agreement, however, has been fraught with difficulties, and violence has persisted in various regions, particularly in areas rich in resources like oil.

The dismissal of Bol Mel also follows the controversial treatment of Machar, who was sacked as vice-president, arrested earlier this year, and charged in September with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. The charges, linked to an attack allegedly carried out by Machar’s militia that killed 250 soldiers and a general, have been condemned by his spokesperson as a “political witch-hunt.” This sequence of events has heightened fears that South Sudan could again descend into widespread internal conflict, with the potential for clashes between rival armed groups loyal to different political factions.

Bol Mel’s dismissal removes a key figure whose influence had grown rapidly within both the SPLM and South Sudan’s military structures. Analysts have suggested that his removal could alter the balance of power, reducing internal tensions temporarily but potentially sowing seeds of conflict if disenfranchised factions seek to challenge Kiir’s authority. Some observers have speculated that the president’s decision may be an attempt to preempt any challenge to his rule, particularly in light of upcoming political transitions and the unresolved question of succession within the SPLM.

The broader implications for governance and national stability are significant. South Sudan’s fragile economy, heavily dependent on oil revenues, is intertwined with political stability, and any resurgence of internal conflict could further undermine development efforts. The central bank governor and revenue authority head, both dismissed alongside Bol Mel, are critical to financial management, and their removal raises questions about fiscal continuity and investor confidence.

Moreover, the human toll of renewed instability cannot be understated. South Sudan has endured nearly a decade of civil strife, which has left millions displaced, caused widespread food insecurity, and strained public services. Observers fear that political power struggles at the top could trigger new waves of violence, exacerbating humanitarian challenges and undermining efforts to rebuild the country’s institutions and social cohesion.

Bol Mel’s own political future remains uncertain. While he has publicly pledged loyalty to Kiir and refrained from making any critical statements following his dismissal, analysts note that sidelined political figures in South Sudan have historically formed alliances or rebel movements in response to perceived marginalization. Whether Bol Mel will attempt to maintain influence through alternative channels, or step back from the political arena entirely, is a question that will likely shape the SPLM’s internal dynamics in the coming months.

In the short term, attention has shifted to how Kiir will fill the vacant positions and manage potential fallout within the party and the broader government apparatus. The dismissals underscore the fragility of South Sudan’s political system, where power remains highly centralized and governance is often contingent on personal loyalties rather than institutional frameworks.

Observers also note the international dimension of these developments. Foreign governments and international organizations have closely monitored South Sudan’s peace agreements, and the sudden removal of a vice-president who was once seen as a potential reformist or successor may affect donor confidence and ongoing peacebuilding initiatives. Analysts argue that maintaining stability in Juba is essential not only for domestic governance but also for sustaining international support and development aid critical to the country’s recovery.

As South Sudan navigates this period of political uncertainty, the situation remains fluid, and the potential for unrest looms large. Citizens, analysts, and international observers alike are watching to see how President Kiir consolidates power, whether Bol Mel’s allies are marginalized, and how these shifts will impact the fragile peace and development gains achieved since the end of the civil war.

The dismissal of Benjamin Bol Mel serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of South Sudanese politics, where allegiances, military rank, and control of key institutions can change rapidly, often without public explanation. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the country can maintain stability, avoid renewed conflict, and continue its slow path toward sustainable governance.