South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has replaced two vice presidents and the intelligence chief in a major reshuffle.
Long-serving Vice President James Wani Igga was dismissed and replaced by Benjamin Bol Mel, a close advisor with growing influence in the government. Bol Mel, who is on the U.S. sanctions list for alleged money laundering, will now head the country’s economic portfolio.
Political analyst Abraham Kuol Nyuon suggested that Kiir may be positioning Bol Mel as a potential successor. “He’s the only power to reckon with,” Nyuon said.
Kiir also replaced National Security Service (NSS) chief Akec Tong Aleu with Charles Chiek Mayo, who will serve as acting chief.
The changes come amid ongoing political tension and delays in national elections, which have been postponed twice due to disagreements between Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar.
Analysts believe the reshuffle is part of Kiir’s strategy to strengthen his control ahead of next year’s elections.