Political Turmoil in South Sudan: President Kiir Dismisses Ambassador to Kenya

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has fired Ambassador Monica Achol Abel amid escalating political tensions and a deteriorating relationship with Vice President Riek Machar. This dismissal, part of a broader crackdown on political figures, occurs against a backdrop of increasing detentions within the government and ongoing crises. Regional efforts, led by Kenyan President William Ruto, seek to foster dialogue and stabilization in the country.

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed Monica Achol Abel from her position as ambassador to Kenya, only four months following her credential presentation to President William Ruto. This decision was reported by a government source and aired on state television, yet an official rationale for the dismissal remains undisclosed. The firing is characteristic of Kiir’s tendency to execute leadership changes, particularly on Mondays and Wednesdays, amid growing political tensions.

The dismissal of Ambassador Achol Abel coincides with an escalation of political instability in South Sudan, particularly between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Tensions have reached a boiling point, with military forces presently encircling Machar’s residence, igniting fears of heightened unrest within the fragile coalition government. Abel’s removal reflects a wider crackdown exercised by South Sudan’s National Security Service, which has intensified the detainment of significant political figures.

On Thursday, operatives of the National Security Service detained Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol in his office, following the arrest of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol just a day earlier. These actions signify a growing internal power struggle within the ruling administration, prompting concerns regarding the future trajectory of South Sudan’s peace process, which has struggled to maintain momentum despite numerous peace agreements.

President William Ruto has acknowledged the escalating situation and has engaged in conversations with both Kiir and Machar. He emphasized the necessity for dialogue and collaboration in fostering peace and stabilizing South Sudan through regional efforts. Ruto remarked, “I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace in the country… regional consultations are underway to determine the best path forward for the situation in South Sudan.”

South Sudan, since its inception, has faced a cycle of violent conflict beginning in December 2013, attributable to internal political rifts within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Army. Despite multiple peace accords and ceasefires aimed at restoring stability, including the 2018 Revitalized Agreement, the region continues to grapple with violence and insecurity. Kiir’s recent leadership moves, coupled with deteriorating diplomatic relationships, cast a shadow over the nation’s already tenuous peace.

In summary, the abrupt dismissal of Ambassador Monica Achol Abel signifies rising political tensions in South Sudan and reflects President Salva Kiir’s pattern of leadership reshuffles. As the relationship between Kiir and Riek Machar deteriorates, accompanied by increasing detentions within the government, the stability of South Sudan’s fragile peace remains precarious. Urgent regional dialogue, as urged by Kenyan President William Ruto, appears critical in addressing the escalating crisis and steering the country towards a more stable future.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke