South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has reshuffled the senior leadership in the ruling party, promoting sanctioned ally Second Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel as his SPLM party’s deputy chairperson.
This move comes as the country faces fresh fighting between rival armed factions and widespread speculation about Kiir’s succession plans.
Bol Mel, seen by many as Kiir’s chosen successor, was sanctioned by the United States in 2017 over allegations his construction company received preferential treatment in government contracts.
If Kiir steps down, Bol Mel’s new role would make him acting president.
The reshuffle follows months of uncertainty, including Kiir’s longtime rival First Vice President Riek Machar being placed under house arrest for allegedly trying to stir a rebellion.
Machar’s opposition party denied the charges, stating the move effectively voids a 2018 peace deal that ended a five-year civil war between Kiir’s Dinka forces and Nuer fighters loyal to Machar.
Western countries, including the US, UK, and Germany, have closed embassies or reduced operations in South Sudan.
As part of the shake-up, Kiir demoted three veterans of South Sudan’s liberation struggle, including former Second Vice President James Wani Igga.
