Story perspectives

South Sudan President Overhauls Cabinet, Fires Finance Minister, Defense Chief

5/8/2026

Summary

Kiir Reshuffles Cabinet

President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed the finance minister, chief of defence and officials in a reshuffle.
He removed Salvatore Garang Mabiordit as finance minister, appointed Kuol Daniel Ayulo as finance minister, named Clement Juma Mbugonvia agriculture minister and Mahjoub Biel Turuk deputy public-service minister, and dismissed Deputy Minister Julius Tabuley Daniel.
He relieved Paul Nang Majok chief of defence, reinstated General Santino Deng Wol, made Majok Undersecretary for Veterans’ Affairs.

Summary

Kiir Reshuffles

President Salva Kiir dismissed General Paul Nang after criticism of his handling of worsening security since taking office in October.
President Kiir reinstated General Santino Deng Wol, a close ally from the President’s native Bahr El Gazal region, reinforcing regional loyalty.
Analysts say the reshuffle tightens Kiir’s grip on power amid succession uncertainty as South Sudan struggles to implement 2018 peace-deal reforms, including armed-forces unification and elections.

Summary

Kiir Reshuffles Turmoil

President Salva Kiir reshuffled the cabinet as the currency lost over 60 percent of its US-dollar value since early 2026.
Oil exports generate 90 percent of government revenue while the main pipeline is crippled by regional conflict.
Humanitarian agencies say severe food insecurity now affects roughly 7.1 million South Sudanese citizens.
Analysts warn the reshuffle could spark renewed civil conflict and refugee flows into Kenya, where Nairobi has poured diplomatic and financial resources into peace-building.

History

Historical Context

Signed on 9 January 2005 in Nairobi, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement ended the north-south civil war, granted six-year autonomy, equal oil-revenue sharing and a 2011 independence referendum that led to South Sudan’s secession. Implementation faltered—troops left the south only in January 2008 and the conflict claimed roughly 2 million southern lives—fueling fears that today’s cabinet reshuffle could revive old tensions.

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Kiir Reshuffles Cabinet

President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed the finance minister, chief of defence and officials in a reshuffle.
He removed Salvatore Garang Mabiordit as finance minister, appointed Kuol Daniel Ayulo as finance minister, named Clement Juma Mbugonvia agriculture minister and Mahjoub Biel Turuk deputy public-service minister, and dismissed Deputy Minister Julius Tabuley Daniel.
He relieved Paul Nang Majok chief of defence, reinstated General Santino Deng Wol, made Majok Undersecretary for Veterans’ Affairs.

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