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South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has executed a major shake-up of his administration by dismissing both the nation’s military head and a finance minister who had held his position for less than 90 days.
These high-level removals, announced late Wednesday, are the latest in a series of frequent leadership rotations that analysts believe are intended to strengthen Kiir’s control as the country navigates political uncertainty regarding his eventual successor.
The outgoing army chief, General Paul Nang, had only been in his role since October and faced mounting pressure as national security conditions deteriorated.
He is replaced by General Santino Deng Wol, a veteran commander and trusted ally of the president from the Bahr El Gazal region.
Wol’s appointment marks a return to the post he previously held for four years, suggesting a move toward familiar loyalists in the military’s top ranks.
At the finance ministry, Kuol Daniel Ayulo, a seasoned technocrat with extensive experience as an undersecretary, has been named to succeed Salvatore Garang Mabiordit.
This leadership change comes at a critical time as South Sudan continues to struggle with the implementation of the 2018 peace deal.
Key pillars of that agreement, including the total unification of armed forces and the preparations for national elections, remain largely unfulfilled.
