In a surprise move, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed his deputy, Benjamin Bol Mel, on Wednesday. The presidential decree also removed Bol Mel from his position as Vice-Chairman of the ruling party. Observers are interpreting the decision as a significant break with a figure widely seen as President Kiir’s potential successor.
The decree also included the dismissal of the Governor of the Central Bank and the head of the Revenue Authority, both reportedly close allies of Bol Mel. These developments occur against a backdrop of political instability and growing uncertainty surrounding the future leadership of the world’s youngest nation.
The presidential decree offered no explicit reasons for the dismissals. However, sources in Juba reported that security details were reduced at Bol Mel’s residence hours before the announcement, suggesting that the move was anticipated. Furthermore, his military rank was reportedly lowered, weeks after being promoted to General.
The removal of Benjamin Bol Mel is not an isolated incident. President Kiir has made several similar decisions in recent months. In November 2025, Finance Minister Athian Diing Athian was dismissed less than three months after his appointment, replaced by Barnaba Bak Chol. This move was characterized as a continuation of instability within government institutions.
This marks the eighth dismissal in the Ministry of Finance since 2020, reflecting a recurring pattern of changes in high-level positions, also affecting the Presidential Office and sensitive economic institutions.
Bol Mel has faced allegations of corruption for years. In 2017, the United States imposed sanctions on him, accusing him of profiting from his position as financial advisor to the President, an accusation denied by the presidency at the time. In September, a UN report accused companies linked to him of receiving approximately $1.7 billion for road projects that were never completed.
