Political Quake in South Sudan: Salva Kiir Abruptly Fires Deputy Benjamin Bol Mel, Blocking the Path of the "Potential Successor"

The Republic of South Sudan experienced a sudden and major political development yesterday, Wednesday, as President Salva Kiir Mayardit issued a presidential decree dismissing Benjamin Bol Mel from his position as Vice President and Deputy Chairman of the ruling party. This move came as a shock in political circles, especially since Bol Mel was widely viewed as the potential successor to the 74-year-old President, raising serious questions about the future of power in the world's youngest nation.

The Sudden Dismissal and Signs of Pre-Emption

President Kiir's decisions were not limited to Bol Mel; they also included the dismissal of the Central Bank Governor and the Head of the Revenue Authority, both individuals known to be close associates of Bol Mel, who had only been appointed Vice President a few months earlier. These developments collectively occur amidst a worsening state of political turmoil and increasing ambiguity regarding the trajectory of the world's newest state.

Notably, the presidential decree did not include any clear reasons for the dismissals. However, informed sources in the capital Juba revealed early indicators hours before the announcement, including a reduction in security protection in front of Bol Mel's residence, suggesting that his removal was anticipated rather than a spontaneous act. Further confirming his complete demotion, his military rank was also reduced, just weeks after he had been promoted to the rank of General.

A Pattern of Frequent Changes and Accusations of Corruption

The dismissal of Benjamin Bol Mel is not an isolated incident but falls within a series of similar decisions taken by President Kiir in recent times. In November 2025 alone, Kiir dismissed Finance Minister Athian Ding Athian less than three months after his appointment, replacing him with Barnaba Bak Chol. This marks the eighth dismissal in the Ministry of Finance since 2020, reflecting a recurring pattern of instability in high-ranking positions that has also affected sensitive economic institutions and the Presidency.

Bol Mel himself has faced accusations of corruption for years. In 2017, the United States imposed sanctions on him, accusing him of profiting from his position as a financial advisor to the President, allegations which the Presidency denied at the time. Last September, a UN report accused companies linked to him of receiving approximately $1.7 billion for uncompleted road projects. Bol Mel has not directly responded to these allegations.

The Ambiguous Scene and Fears of Renewed Violence

Bol Mel's rise to the Vice Presidency had already provoked objections within the political and security elite in Juba, specifically due to increasing talk of him being Kiir's likely political heir. However, his latest dismissal completely reshuffles the deck and opens the door to unclear scenarios.

These developments come at a critical time, as scheduled elections have been postponed multiple times, and First Vice President Riek Machar, Kiir's historical rival, faces accusations of treason following his arrest last March, which has intensified clashes between government forces and various armed groups. Analysts believe this situation increases the opacity of the political scene in South Sudan and raises serious fears that power struggles could lead to renewed violence in a country still reeling from the effects of the civil war.