South Sudan President Salva Kiir has removed the country’s finance minister and military chief in a fresh round of changes within his administration.
Finance Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit was dismissed just three months after being appointed to the position. He has been replaced by Kuol Daniel Avule at a time when South Sudan continues to face severe economic difficulties.
The country has struggled with inflation, delayed public salaries, and reduced oil revenues, worsening pressure on Africa’s youngest nation.
Kiir also fired the army chief, Paul Nang Majok, and appointed Santino Deng Wol as his replacement.
Santino Deng Wol previously served as army chief between 2021 and 2024, and his return comes amid continued uncertainty within the country’s military leadership over the past year.
The military official has been under United Nations sanctions since 2015 after the United Nations Security Council accused him of obstructing peace and reconciliation efforts in South Sudan.
The latest leadership changes come as the South Sudanese government prepares for elections scheduled for December this year.
The planned vote is expected to be a major political test for the country, which has experienced years of instability, political tensions, and armed conflict since gaining independence in 2011.
