South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed South Sudan’s army chief Gen. Paul Nang Majok and Finance Minister Salvatore Garang Mabiordit in the latest reshuffle to hit the country’s top leadership.
The changes, announced through presidential decrees broadcast on state media, come amid continued economic hardship and insecurity in the young East African nation.
Gen. Paul Nang had served as Chief of Defence Forces for about seven months, while Salvatore Garang lasted only 13 days as finance minister before his removal.
The latest dismissals add to a growing list of high-ranking officials removed from office under President Kiir’s administration in recent years.
Analysts note that in the last six years alone, Kiir has fired at least 10 finance ministers and five army chiefs, alongside several cabinet ministers, central bank governors, parliamentary speakers, and senior security officials.
Reports indicate that more than 37 senior government officials were dismissed over the past year alone, including the interior minister, foreign affairs minister, deputy governors, and top legislative figures.
The repeated reshuffles have fueled concerns about instability within South Sudan’s political and administrative structures, particularly as the country prepares for anticipated elections scheduled for December 2026.
Government officials have defended the frequent changes as necessary interventions to address South Sudan’s worsening economic crisis and persistent insecurity.
President Kiir has previously described the reshuffles as part of efforts to find “solutions” to governance and economic challenges facing the country.
However, political observers argue that the repeated dismissals are also aimed at consolidating presidential authority and preventing potential rivals from building independent political influence ahead of the elections.
“By constantly rotating officials, no single figure is allowed enough time to establish a strong political base,” one regional political analyst said.
South Sudan has struggled with political instability, internal conflict, inflation, delayed public sector salaries, and declining oil revenues since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011.
The country’s unity government arrangement between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar has also faced repeated tensions and implementation delays under the fragile peace agreement.
Observers say the latest reshuffle is likely to intensify debate over governance, accountability, and political stability in South Sudan as preparations for the 2026 elections continue.
