South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir dismissed three ministers in a cabinet reshuffle amid a political crisis. The changes include the removal of Ruben Madol Arol, Awut Deng Acuil, and Joseph Mum Majak without stated reasons. This reshuffle follows escalating violence in Nasir, raising concerns over stability and peace as international voices urge for resolution and unity.
On Monday evening, South Sudan President Salva Kiir executed a cabinet reshuffle, dismissing three ministers amid a persistent political crisis threatening the unity government established under a 2018 peace agreement. This agreement put an end to the nation’s five-year civil war, as reported by News.az, referencing Xinhua.
In this recent decree, President Kiir removed Ruben Madol Arol from his position as the minister of justice and constitutional affairs. Wek Mamer Kuol, a former deputy cabinet minister, has been appointed as his successor. Awut Deng Acuil was similarly relieved from her role as minister of general education and instruction, with Kuyok Abol Kuyok chosen to take her place. Joseph Mum Majak was also dismissed from the position of minister of trade and industry.
Both Awut Deng and Ruben Madol have held their ministerial roles since 2020, while Joseph Mum Majak was appointed in July 2024. Notably, the president did not offer specific justifications for these dismissals. This reshuffle follows recent violent confrontations in Nasir, including an attack on a United Nations aircraft that resulted in the deaths of UN personnel and numerous soldiers on March 7.
The international community has emphasized the necessity for the conflicting parties in South Sudan to progress towards stability, democracy, and lasting peace. They have called for measures to prevent a regression into chaos. The violence in Nasir, a strategically significant town, has intensified since early March, culminating in the arrest of senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), which is led by First Vice-President Riek Machar.
Tragically, over 20 individuals have reportedly lost their lives, with several others injured in the violence occurring on the outskirts of Nasir, situated near the South Sudanese-Ethiopian border.
In summary, the dismissal of three ministers by President Salva Kiir amidst rising tensions in South Sudan highlights the ongoing challenges to the unity government established under the 2018 peace deal. The international community continues to advocate for stability and peace in the region as violence escalates, particularly in Nasir, affecting both military and UN personnel. The situation remains dire as the nation struggles to maintain order and prevent a further descent into chaos.
Original Source: news.az
