Da Dona
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 1,047
- 625
South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed the country’s army chief and finance minister in yet another major government reshuffle, according to state media reports.
📸 President Salva, Courtesy of The Guardian
The changes, announced on Wednesday night, saw General Paul Nang removed as Chief of Defence Forces and Finance Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit dismissed after serving for less than three months in office.
Kiir replaced Gen Nang with General Santino Deng Wol, a close ally who previously served as army chief between 2020 and 2024. Kuol Daniel Ayulo, a technocrat who has previously worked in both the finance and trade ministries, was appointed the new finance minister.
The reshuffle comes amid growing insecurity and political uncertainty in South Sudan, with analysts saying the frequent changes in top government positions point to efforts by Kiir to tighten his grip on power ahead of the country’s long-delayed elections expected in 2026.
General Nang had been appointed army chief in October but had recently faced criticism over worsening insecurity in parts of the country. Meanwhile, Salvatore Garang had only returned to the finance ministry in February after replacing Barnaba Bak Chol.
The latest shake-up follows a series of recent dismissals by Kiir, including the replacement of the foreign affairs minister and intelligence chief in April. Observers say the repeated reshuffles have raised concerns about stability within the transitional government formed under the 2018 peace agreement aimed at ending South Sudan’s civil conflict.
Source: Daily Monitor UG
The changes, announced on Wednesday night, saw General Paul Nang removed as Chief of Defence Forces and Finance Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit dismissed after serving for less than three months in office.
Kiir replaced Gen Nang with General Santino Deng Wol, a close ally who previously served as army chief between 2020 and 2024. Kuol Daniel Ayulo, a technocrat who has previously worked in both the finance and trade ministries, was appointed the new finance minister.
The reshuffle comes amid growing insecurity and political uncertainty in South Sudan, with analysts saying the frequent changes in top government positions point to efforts by Kiir to tighten his grip on power ahead of the country’s long-delayed elections expected in 2026.
General Nang had been appointed army chief in October but had recently faced criticism over worsening insecurity in parts of the country. Meanwhile, Salvatore Garang had only returned to the finance ministry in February after replacing Barnaba Bak Chol.
The latest shake-up follows a series of recent dismissals by Kiir, including the replacement of the foreign affairs minister and intelligence chief in April. Observers say the repeated reshuffles have raised concerns about stability within the transitional government formed under the 2018 peace agreement aimed at ending South Sudan’s civil conflict.
Source: Daily Monitor UG
