President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel from his position as Vice President of South Sudan and First Deputy Chairman of the ruling SPLM party, in a sweeping political shake-up announced through several presidential decrees on Tuesday evening.
The move comes amid growing international pressure and domestic tension following accusations that Dr. Bol Mel violated the Revitalized Peace Agreement by inviting Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) into South Sudan earlier this year. The alleged deployment reportedly followed the February clashes in Nasir between the White Army militias and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).
Dr. Bol Mel, who served as a senior military officer from 2016 until 2025, has also been dismissed from the army, stripped of his rank of General, and demoted to Private, effectively marking the end of his military and political career. He has further been removed from the National Security Service, where he held a senior role.
The dismissal follows weeks of criticism from peace partners and regional observers over Bol Mel’s alleged role in undermining the peace deal through unilateral military decisions and the detention of SPLM-IO members, actions that analysts say deepened mistrust among peace signatories and pushed the fragile political process closer to collapse.
Bol Mel’s tenure as Vice President had been controversial since his appointment to replace Wani Igga, a decision that drew mixed reactions from both political allies and the international community. His sanctioning by Western powers earlier this year for obstructing peace implementation added to his growing isolation.
In the same decrees, President Kiir announced several other major government changes: Paul Logale was relieved from his role as SPLM Secretary-General, replaced by Akol Paul Kordit.
Dr. Addis Ababa Othow was sacked as Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, replaced by Yeni Samuel Costa.
Simon Akuei, the Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), was also removed and replaced by William Anyuon Kuol.
The leadership overhaul comes at a critical time as South Sudan faces mounting political uncertainty, a struggling peace process, and economic challenges fueled by internal divisions and regional instability.
Political analysts say Bol Mel’s fall from power underscores rising tensions within the SPLM and could reshape alliances ahead of the planned 2026 elections. Others warn that the purge risks destabilizing the already fragile unity government if key opposition groups perceive the changes as politically motivated.
As South Sudan navigates this latest political shift, observers are calling for renewed commitment to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, inclusive dialogue, and respect for the rule of law to prevent further erosion of the country’s fragile stability.
