Cabinet Reshuffle in South Sudan Amid Escalating Political Tensions

President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed three ministers in a cabinet reshuffle amidst escalating political tensions. The removals include Ruben Madol Arol, Awut Deng Acuil, and Joseph Mum Majak, without provided reasons. These changes follow violent incidents in Nasir, with calls from the international community for stability and peace in the country.

In a notable cabinet reshuffle, South Sudan President Salva Kiir has dismissed three ministers amid escalating political tensions threatening the unity government established under the 2018 peace accord which concluded the nation’s five-year civil war. This decision was announced on a presidential decree broadcast by the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation.

The removed ministers include Ruben Madol Arol, who served as the minister of justice and constitutional affairs, replaced by Wek Mamer Kuol, a former deputy cabinet minister. Awut Deng Acuil has also been relieved of her position as minister of general education and instruction, with educationist Kuyok Abol Kuyok taking over. Additionally, Joseph Mum Majak was dismissed from his role as minister of trade and industry.

Notably, both Deng and Madol Arol have held their respective ministerial offices since 2020, while Majak was appointed to his position in July 2024. The President did not disclose specific reasons for their removal from office.

These changes come following armed confrontations in Nasir, including an alarming attack on a United Nations aircraft, which tragically resulted in the deaths of UN personnel and numerous soldiers during incidents on March 7. The international community has urged the conflicting parties in South Sudan to make progress towards stability, democracy, and long-term peace, emphasizing the necessity of preventing a regression into chaos.

The fighting in Nasir, a strategically significant town, intensified since March 3 and has led to the apprehension of several senior government and military officials associated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), under the leadership of First Vice-President Riek Machar. Reports indicate over 20 fatalities and several injuries on the outskirts of Nasir, located near the South Sudan-Ethiopia border.

In summary, the recent dismissal of three ministers by President Salva Kiir amidst rising political tensions reflects ongoing instability in South Sudan. The situation, further exacerbated by violence in Nasir and calls from the international community for a move towards peace and democracy, underscores significant challenges facing the nation. The actions taken by President Kiir indicate an urgent need for effective governance and the maintenance of peace agreements established post-civil war.

Original Source: news.az