President Salva Kiir Mayardit has announced a major reshuffle of his government, restoring several senior SPLM leaders to powerful positions in what analysts are calling a dramatic political reset.
Kiir reappointed Dr. James Wani Igga as Vice President and Chair of the Economic Cluster. He also reinstated Igga as First Deputy Chairperson of the SPLM, a position he lost in February to Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, who was dismissed last week.
Former SPLM Secretary General Hoth Peter Lam Both has been named Minister of Roads and Bridges, replacing Simon Mijok Mijak.
In another significant change, Kiir removed longtime government spokesperson Michael Makuei Lueth, reassigning him as Minister of Justice in place of Joseph Geng Akech.
Former presidential press secretary Ateny Wek Ateny has made a political comeback as Minister of Information.
Mabior Garang de Mabior, son of the SPLM founding leader, has been appointed Minister of Environment, replacing Josephine Napon, who is currently attending COP30 in Brazil.
Emmanuel Adil Anthony has returned as Governor of Central Equatoria State, taking over from Rabi Mijong Emmanuel.
Meanwhile, Gen. Abraham Manyuot has been relieved of his duties as Inspector General of Police, with Gen. Said Chawul appointed as the new IGP—just days after a controversial reshuffling of senior police officers.
Kiir has also reinstated Amb. Achol Abel Aguek to the rank of Grade One Ambassador, appointing her as Presidential Envoy to the Middle East.
Analysts describe the wide-reaching changes as a “full return to the spirit of the 2018 peace agreement,” expressing hope that the reshuffle could revive efforts to implement South Sudan’s fragile peace deal—even as the political future of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny and the SPLM-IO remains entangled in ongoing legal disputes.
