South Sudanese President Salva Kiir dismissed several top cabinet members and senior security officials in a sweeping decree announced Wednesday night.
The reshuffle saw Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba and Trade Minister Atong Kuol Manyang removed from their posts. No official reasons were provided for the sudden changes.
Kiir also sacked Gen. Mawien Mawien Ariik, head of the Internal Security Bureau. This marks a significant leadership shift within the nation’s powerful National Security Service.
Ambassador James Pitia Morgan was appointed as the new Foreign Minister. Morgan returns to the role after previously serving as a presidential envoy for the Great Lakes region.
Gen. Akec Tong Aleu replaces Ariik as the intelligence chief. Meanwhile, Atong Kuol Manyang was reassigned to lead the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The restructuring comes as the government faces pressure to improve diplomatic ties. Juba has recently sought increased investment from Western partners, particularly in the mining and oil sectors.
The removals follow a pattern of frequent leadership rotations. Analysts suggest Kiir uses these tactics to consolidate power and prevent the rise of internal political rivals.
In February, Kiir had sacked the Finance Minister Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol after only three months in office, marking the ninth time the position has changed hands since 2020.
Recent context highlights South Sudan’s fragile stability under a 2018 peace deal. The nation continues to navigate delayed elections, armed conflict, and a deepening humanitarian crisis.
International observers remain concerned about the pace of democratic reforms. These latest administrative changes are seen as a move to tighten control ahead of future political transitions.
