South Sudan President Salva Kiir dismissed three ministers amidst a political crisis threatening the unity government established under a 2018 peace deal. The reshuffle follows violent incidents in Nasir, prompting international calls for peace and stability. More than 20 deaths have been reported due to escalating confrontations.
On Monday evening, South Sudan President Salva Kiir executed a cabinet reshuffle, dismissing three ministers amid an ongoing political crisis threatening the unity government. This government was established under a 2018 peace agreement that concluded a five-year civil war, as reported by News.az citing Xinhua.
In a presidential decree aired by the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, President Kiir appointed Wek Mamer Kuol as the new minister of justice and constitutional affairs, taking over from Ruben Madol Arol. Additionally, Kuyok Abol Kuyok will replace Awut Deng Acuil as minister of general education and instruction, while Joseph Mum Majak has been removed from his position as minister of trade and industry.
Deng and Madol have been in their ministerial roles since 2020, while Majak’s tenure began in July 2024. Notably, the president did not disclose specific reasons for their dismissals. This reshuffle follows violent confrontations in Nasir, including an attack on a United Nations aircraft that led to casualties among UN personnel and soldiers on March 7.
The international community has urged conflicting parties in South Sudan to make advances towards stabilizing the nation, emphasizing the need for a transition to democracy and lasting peace to avert further chaos. The violence in Nasir, a key strategic location, has escalated since March 3, resulting in the arrest of senior officials from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition, led by First Vice-President Riek Machar. Reports indicate that over 20 individuals have lost their lives, with numerous others injured near the South Sudan-Ethiopia border.
In conclusion, the recent cabinet reshuffle by President Salva Kiir underscores the ongoing instability and political crisis in South Sudan. The appointments and dismissals highlight the challenges facing the unity government, exacerbated by violent confrontations in Nasir. The international community continues to call for peace and a swift transition towards democratic governance to prevent further turmoil within the nation.
Original Source: news.az
