JUBA, South Sudan — In a significant political reshuffle, President Salva Kiir has appointed Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel as the first deputy chairperson of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), positioning him as a potential successor.
The announcement, made via a presidential decree broadcast on state television on Tuesday night, has intensified discussions about the future leadership of the world’s youngest nation.
Bol Mel, a businessman-turned-politician, was previously sanctioned by the United States in 2017 over allegations that his construction company benefited from preferential government contracts.
Despite these sanctions, he has maintained a close relationship with President Kiir, serving as his financial advisor and, more recently, as vice president overseeing the economic cluster.
The reshuffle also saw the removal of long-serving SPLM figures, including former Vice President James Wani Igga, from key party positions.
Analysts interpret these changes as a move by President Kiir to consolidate power and potentially pave the way for a transition of leadership.
“This is not just a routine reshuffle — it is a rewriting of the SPLM’s political DNA,” said Ter Manyang Gatwech, a political analyst based in Juba.
“Kiir is sidelining the liberation generation in favor of individuals who are loyal to him personally.”
The political shake-up comes amid heightened tensions in South Sudan. In March, First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest, accused of inciting rebellion—a charge his party denies. Machar’s detention has raised concerns about the fragility of the 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war.
International observers have expressed apprehension over the recent developments.
The United States, United Kingdom, and Germany have either reduced their diplomatic presence or closed embassies in Juba, citing security concerns.
As South Sudan approaches its next electoral cycle, the elevation of Bol Mel and the sidelining of veteran SPLM figures suggest a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
Whether this will lead to a stable transition of power or further instability remains to be seen.
