South Sudan President Removes Top Military, Finance Officials in Latest Reshuffle

Salva Kiir has dismissed South Sudan’s army chief and finance minister in a fresh government reshuffle that analysts say reflects growing political uncertainty and efforts to strengthen his grip on power.

State media reported late Wednesday that General Paul Nang was removed as Chief of Defence Forces after serving in the role since October. Nang had reportedly faced increasing criticism over worsening insecurity in parts of the country.

Kiir also dismissed Finance Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit, who had only recently assumed office. The move marks yet another leadership change in South Sudan’s economic management team, where finance ministers have frequently been replaced in recent years.

The president reappointed General Santino Deng Wol as the new army chief. Wol, considered a close ally of Kiir, previously held the same position between 2020 and 2024 and hails from the Bahr el Ghazal region, the president’s political stronghold.

Kuol Daniel Ayulo, a senior technocrat with previous experience in the finance and trade ministries, was named the new finance minister.

The reshuffle comes as South Sudan continues to struggle with implementing key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement that ended the country’s civil war. Delayed reforms, unresolved security integration, and postponed elections have continued to fuel uncertainty in the young nation.

Political observers say the repeated dismissals of senior officials highlight mounting tensions within the government and growing speculation over succession politics in Africa’s youngest country.