South Sudan president sacks vice president, removes him from party leadership, army ranks roles

By Mevlut Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) - South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel and removed him from his leadership role in the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) party, according to presidential decrees read on SSBC state television Wednesday.

Kiir also demoted Bol Mel from general to private in the National Security Service.

The decrees also dismissed Paul Logale as SPLM Secretary General, replacing him with Akol Paul Kordit. Addis Ababa Othow was removed as governor of the Bank of South Sudan, and Simon Akuei was sacked as commissioner general of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, with William Anyuon Kuol appointed successor.

The announcement came after Bol Mel’s office dismissed “unfounded rumors” on social media that he had been placed under house arrest and had his security detail withdrawn earlier in the day.

“The Vice President continues to implement the H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s vision for a prosperous and self-reliant South Sudan,” his office said in a statement.

No successor was named for Bol Mel.

In a February decree, Kiir appointed Bol Mel to replace Wani Igga as vice president, representing the SPLM.

South Sudan is one of the few countries with five vice presidents, a structure established under a 2018 peace agreement.