South Sudan's President Salva Kiir removed the country's army chief, police chief, and central bank governor, according to a statement on state TV. The announcement did not explain why the officials were fired. Paul Nang Majok was named the new army chief, replacing General Santino Wol.

Some sources say the military changes might be due to unrest in the army, as some soldiers have not been paid for about a year. Government officials, including the army spokesperson and the information minister, did not comment on the reasons for the dismissals.

In recent months, there have been other significant changes. In November, an attempt to arrest a former intelligence chief caused heavy gunfire in the capital, Juba. In October, Kiir also replaced the head of the National Security Service.

In this latest reshuffle, Kiir replaced James Alic Garang as central bank governor, reappointing Johnny Ohisa Damian, who had been fired earlier in October 2023. He also appointed Abraham Peter Manyuat as the new police chief, replacing Atem Marol Biar.

Leadership changes, especially in the finance sector, have been common in recent years. In 2020, the central bank governor was replaced twice.

South Sudan's economy has struggled since the civil war started in 2013, displacing millions. While a peace deal in 2018 ended the conflict, violence between communities still occurs. A long-delayed national election is now scheduled for December 2026, highlighting ongoing challenges in the peace process.

source: Reuters