On the evening of February 10, President Kiir announced the removal of two key Vice Presidents, replacing them with his Minister of Agriculture and the presidential envoy for special programs.

The reshuffle has sparked curiosity and speculation, with many observers wondering about the reasons behind these significant changes. Some see the reshuffled roles as a fresh attempt to reinvigorate the government and improve service delivery, although critics argue that such cabinet shifts have been common throughout South Sudan's young history, with few lasting effects.

Notably, Vice President Dr James Wani Iga, a long-time ally of Kiir, was removed from his post and appointed as the Secretary-General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), while Vice President Hussein Abdel Badi Akol, who led the service cluster, was shifted to head the Ministry of Agriculture. The move also saw a new face, Benjamin Ball Mel, being appointed as one of the new vice presidents.

Political analysts have raised questions about the inclusion of Mel, who was sanctioned by the United States in 2017 for alleged corruption. One political analyst, Dr Luka Biong, a Professor of Political Science at the University of Juba, suggested that the appointment of Mel could be a strategic move by Kiir to consolidate power. "The inclusion of Benjamin Ball Mel in this reshuffle could be a signal of Kiir’s efforts to position him as a potential successor, especially considering Mel’s business background and political connections," Biong said.

Another analyst, Sabina Sarr, a Political Researcher at the South Sudan Institute for Democracy and Governance, echoed this sentiment, calling the move "a potential power play as Kiir looks to strengthen his position ahead of future transitions."

While the government has claimed these changes are aimed at improving the country’s governance and development, the public reaction in Juba has been mixed. Some government officials, such as Akol and former Secretary-General of the SPLM, Wani Iga, have publicly expressed their gratitude to Kiir for the opportunities given. However, Iga’s lack of a formal appreciation statement has raised questions about the nature of his departure and his relationship with the president.

In a country still grappling with the aftermath of years of civil conflict, the timing of these changes is critical. South Sudan is nearing the end of its extended transitional period, which expires on February 22. The reshuffle could be seen as part of efforts to prepare the nation for the next phase of governance, as peace talks with holdout opposition groups continue in Nairobi.

Adding further complexity to the reshuffle, Josephine Lagu has taken over as Vice President from the opposition alliance’s seat. Lagu, previously the Minister for Agriculture and the chairwoman of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, brings with her a different political weight that could influence the balance of power in the country’s fragile unity government.

--ChannelAfrica--