Government makes sweeping changes

South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has announced a sweeping government reshuffle, dismissing several senior officials in the security, finance and petroleum sectors, and reinstating key allies Tut Gatluak Manimeh and Barnaba Bak Chol to powerful positions. In the decrees, Kiir reappointed Manimeh as presidential adviser on national security, replacing Madut Biar Yel, reports Sudans Post. In another decree, Kiir removed Athian Diing Athian as Minister of Finance & Economic Planning, reinstating Barnaba Bak Chol, who previously served in the same position from August 2023 to March 2024. Within the presidency, Minister of Presidential Affairs Chol Ajongo was dismissed and replaced by Africano Mande. In the same set of orders, Ajing Deng was removed as executive director in the Office of the President, with James Deng Wal reappointed to the position he previously held. At the Ministry of Petroleum, Kiir sacked Undersecretary Deng Lual and reinstated Chol Deng to the post. The presidential decrees gave no reasons for the dismissals or appointments. However, the reshuffle appears aimed at consolidating Kiir’s control over key institutions by restoring trusted figures to senior government roles. South Sudan remains gripped by political and military tensions.