President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed Vice President James Wani Igga and Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng, introducing Benjamin Bol Mel and Josephine Lagu to key positions. Other significant changes include the appointment of a new Minister of Agriculture and a replacement for the head of the Internal Security Bureau. Tut Gatluak Manime has also been named Ambassador to Kuwait.
On February 10, 2025, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir executed significant personnel changes in his government by dismissing Vice President James Wani Igga and Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng. In the same decree, Kiir appointed Benjamin Bol Mel as the new Vice President and named Josephine Lagu as the Vice President for the Services Cluster, succeeding Hussein Abdelbagi Akol. Both Akol and Lagu are affiliated with the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).
President Kiir also appointed Abdellabagi as the Minister of Agriculture. In a further development, Kiir replaced General Akech Tong Aleu, the head of the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Service, with General Charles Chiek Mayo, who will serve in an acting capacity until a permanent appointment is made. General Aleu had been appointed to his position in October of the previous year.
Additionally, President Kiir appointed Tut Gatluak Manime, a recent presidential envoy for the Middle East, as South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kuwait. Gatluak previously held the position of security advisor to the president. This reshuffling of key government roles reflects ongoing political maneuvering within South Sudan.
In summary, President Salva Kiir’s recent reshuffle in South Sudan’s government has resulted in the dismissal of both Vice President James Wani Igga and Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng, with new appointments including Benjamin Bol Mel and Josephine Lagu. These changes highlight Kiir’s efforts to reshape leadership dynamics, possibly aiming to strengthen the political landscape amidst the continuing challenges faced by the country.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
