President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has dismissed two vice presidents, James Wani Igga and Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, along with Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng. Benjamin Bol Mel and Josephine Lagu were appointed to the vacant positions. Additionally, significant changes were made in the security sector with new leadership appointments in the Internal Security Bureau.
On February 10, 2025, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan dismissed two vice presidents and the health minister. Vice President James Wani Igga was replaced by Benjamin Bol Mel, who was appointed following a decree from the president, as reported by the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SBBC). In this reshuffle, Kiir appointed Igga as the Secretary General of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
Additionally, Josephine Lagu was appointed as Vice President for the services cluster, succeeding Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, who along with Lagu represents the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA). In a further development, Akol has been appointed as the Minister of Agriculture. The president also made changes in the security sector, removing General Akech Tong Aleu as the head of the Internal Security Bureau and naming General Charles Chiek Mayo as his interim replacement.
In terms of health administration, Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng was dismissed, although no new appointment has yet been announced. Meanwhile, Tut Gatluak Manime, previously the presidential envoy for the Middle East, has been designated as South Sudan’s Ambassador to Kuwait. Gatluak had previously held the position of security advisor to President Kiir.
In summary, President Salva Kiir’s recent cabinet reshuffle involved significant appointments and dismissals, including replacing Vice President James Wani Igga and Health Minister Yolanda Awel Deng. Key figures like Josephine Lagu and Benjamin Bol Mel have been introduced into crucial positions, reflecting the ongoing political dynamics within South Sudan’s governance structure. This series of changes underscores Kiir’s continuous efforts to navigate the complexities of leadership amid a challenging political landscape.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
