South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Dismisses Vice President in Major Political Shakeup
JUBA – In a sweeping series of presidential decrees issued on November 12, 2025, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed his Vice President, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, from all government and ruling party positions, and demoted him from the rank of General to Private in a dramatic political purge.
The decrees, broadcast on state television, detailed the immediate removal of Bol Mel from his roles as Vice President in charge of the Economic Cluster, First Deputy Chairman of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), and head of the National Security Service (NSS). In a separate decree, President Kiir, acting as the Supreme Commander of All Regular Forces, invoked the National Security Service Act to demote Bol Mel to the rank of Private and dismiss him from the security service entirely.
No official reasons were provided in the decrees. However, the moves are reported to stem from a significant breach of trust. Sources indicate that tensions escalated after Bol Mel allegedly attempted to overstep his authority by occupying the presidential office and using presidential symbols while President Kiir was abroad in the United Arab Emirates for medical check-ups. This was perceived as a potential move to seize power.
The dismissal marks a stunning fall from grace for Bol Mel, who was appointed Vice President in February 2025 and was widely seen as a potential successor to the 74-year-old president. His rapid ascent within the SPLM had positioned him as one of the most powerful figures in the government.
The action against Bol Mel was part of a broader reshuffle that also saw the removal of Central Bank Governor Addis Ababa Othow, National Revenue Authority Commissioner General Simon Akuei, and SPLM Secretary General Paul Logale. President Kiir appointed several replacements, including former Vice President Dr. James Wani Igga as the new SPLM Secretary General.
The political upheaval occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions within South Sudan’s ruling elite. A recent United Nations report has accused Bol Mel and allied elites of systematic corruption, alleging they diverted billions of dollars from public funds meant for infrastructure projects. Bol Mel has been under U.S. sanctions for corruption since 2017.
According to associates, security personnel assigned to Bol Mel were withdrawn from his residence and office earlier on Wednesday without notice, signaling the impending dismissal. The sweeping nature of the purge is seen as President Kiir consolidating power and reasserting control over the party and security apparatus ahead of the country’s anticipated 2026 elections, amid a fragile peace process and severe economic challenges.
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