South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed top security and financial leaders, including the head of the military, police chief, and central bank governor. The announcement, made on December 9 through the state-run broadcaster SSBC, revealed the abrupt leadership shake-up.
Kiir’s late-night declaration did not offer any specific reasons for the changes. Paul Nang Majok was appointed as the new chief of defense forces, replacing General Santino Wol. This shift came amid reports of dissatisfaction within the army, with some soldiers allegedly going unpaid for nearly a year.
The military’s spokesperson, Major General Lul Ruai Koang, was unavailable for comment, and the government’s information minister, Michael Makuei, also did not respond to inquiries regarding the dismissals. The timing of these changes follows growing unrest, including a violent gunfight in late November triggered by an attempt to arrest the former head of intelligence.
In addition to the military reshuffle, Kiir reinstated Johnny Ohisa Damian as central bank governor. Damian had been removed just over a year ago, and now returns after the dismissal of James Alic Garang. Abraham Peter Manyuat was named the new Inspector General of Police, replacing Atem Marol Biar.
Frequent leadership changes have plagued South Sudan’s government, particularly within the finance sector. The country’s economy, deeply scarred by the civil war of 2013, remains fragile. Although a peace deal was signed in 2018, sporadic violence continues to disrupt the nation.