South Sudan President Salva Kiir dismissed three ministers amid ongoing political tensions and recent violence in Nasir. The reshuffle includes Ruben Madol Arol, Awut Deng Acuil, and Joseph Mum Majak being replaced without given reasons. The violence has prompted international calls for peace and stability in the country.
On Monday evening, South Sudan President Salva Kiir announced the dismissal of three ministers in a cabinet shake-up amid a political crisis threatening the stability of the unity government formed under a 2018 peace agreement. This political unrest follows heightened tensions within the country following recent armed confrontations, particularly in Nasir.
The ministers dismissed include Ruben Madol Arol, formerly minister of justice and constitutional affairs, now replaced by Wek Mamer Kuol. Awut Deng Acuil has also been removed from her position as minister of general education and instruction, with Kuyok Abol Kuyok taking her place. Joseph Mum Majak was dismissed as minister of trade and industry; their removals come as the president did not cite specific reasons for these changes.
The reshuffle occurred shortly after violent outbreaks in Nasir, including an attack on a United Nations aircraft that resulted in fatalities among UN personnel and soldiers on March 7. Consequently, the international community has urged South Sudan’s conflicting factions to strive toward democratic stability and peace.
Tensions in Nasir have significantly escalated since March 3, particularly with the arrest of high-ranking members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), led by First Vice-President Riek Machar. Reports indicate that over 20 individuals were killed, and numerous others were injured in clashes near the South Sudan-Ethiopia border.
The recent cabinet reshuffle by President Salva Kiir reflects ongoing political tensions in South Sudan, particularly following escalating violence in Nasir. The dismissals of key ministers without clear explanations underscore the political instability affecting the unity government established after the civil war. The international community continues to call for efforts to maintain peace and prevent further conflict in the region.
Original Source: news.az
