President Salva Kiir of South Sudan dismissed Vice Presidents James Wani Igga and Hussein Abdelbagi, along with National Security head Akech Tong Aleu. In their places, he appointed Benjamin Bol Mel and Josephine Lago Yang. Wani Igga was reassigned as Secretary-General of SPLM, and Charles Chiech Mayor became acting director general of national security, following Aleu’s recent dismissal. This reshuffle reflects ongoing adjustments within South Sudan’s political framework established by the 2018 peace agreement.
On Monday night, President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan issued a presidential decree that terminated the appointments of Vice Presidents James Wani Igga and Hussein Abdelbagi, as well as Akech Tong Aleu, the head of the National Security Service. This announcement was made public through the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation.
In the aftermath of these dismissals, President Kiir appointed Benjamin Bol Mel as the new vice president representing the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), taking over from Wani Igga. Josephine Lago Yang, the chairperson of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), will now serve as the vice president in place of Abdelbagi, who has held his position since 2020 as part of the revitalized peace agreement.
Following his removal, Wani Igga has been reassigned as the Secretary-General of the SPLM, while Charles Chiech Mayor has been designated as the acting director general of the National Security Service, a role he previously held as Deputy Director General. Notably, Akech Tong Aleu was dismissed after only four months in his position, although no reasons were provided for the changes to the high-ranking officials.
South Sudan’s political structure includes five vice presidents, a set-up agreed upon during the 2018 peace accord. This recent reshuffle raises questions about the stability and governance within the country, especially considering the sensitive context of its ongoing peace efforts.
In conclusion, President Salva Kiir’s recent dismissal of two vice presidents and the head of national security marks a significant shift in South Sudan’s political landscape. The appointments of new officials indicate a continuing effort to navigate the complexities of governance following the 2018 peace deal. This development emphasizes the need for stability and cooperation among various political factions within the nation.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
