Summary
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has dismissed Vice-President Benjamin Bol Mel, together with the central bank governor and the head of the revenue authority. The reasons for their removal were not given, but this comes amid concerns over political instability following a breakdown in a power-sharing agreement.
Key Facts
- President Salva Kiir fired Vice-President Benjamin Bol Mel without providing any explanation.
- Bol Mel had been regarded as a potential successor to President Kiir.
- He was previously appointed general in the National Security Service and was a key figure in the ruling SPLM party.
- The U.S. sanctioned Bol Mel in 2017 for alleged corruption, and the sanctions were renewed earlier this year.
- The firings occur as South Sudan faces fears of a potential return to civil war after a power-sharing agreement with Riek Machar collapsed.
- Elections in South Sudan have been postponed twice due to ongoing conflict and unrest.
- Riek Machar, former vice-president, was charged with severe offenses, escalating political tensions.
