Surprise Wednesday announcement
President Salva Kiir Mayardit signed a late-night batch of decrees on Wednesday, triggering a rapid realignment across South Sudan’s cabinet, parliament and foreign missions. The changes, announced on state television, affect figures from both the ruling SPLM and its coalition partner, the SPLM-In Opposition.
Government spokesperson Michael Makuei described the overhaul as a routine exercise meant to “inject fresh energy” into the peace roadmap, while critics of timing remain cautious.
Finance portfolio swaps hands
Bech George Anyak was relieved as Deputy Finance Minister, ending a two-year stint that oversaw painful austerity measures. His seat now belongs to legislator Yien Chan Gach Ruei, a trained economist from Upper Nile seen as close to the presidency.
Central bankers welcomed the appointment, saying private consultations with Ruei suggest continuity in fiscal reforms aimed at stabilising the pound.
Parliamentary leadership reshuffled
The decrees removed First Deputy Speaker Oyet Nathaniel and Council of States Speaker Deng Deng Akon, both SPLM-IO heavyweights, alongside Whip Faruk Gatkuoth. New faces, including John Oto Mariane and Malong Achirian, are expected to take the oath this week.
Observers say the move tightens Kiir’s grip on legislative schedules but keeps the 2018 peace deal technically intact, as opposition quotas remain filled.
Envoys recalled from key missions
Four ambassadors—John Andruga, Mayen Dut Wol, Riek Nyapuoch and Joshua Franco Paul—were recalled from postings in Nairobi, Washington, Beijing and Pretoria respectively. The presidency gave no public reason, though insiders cite performance reviews and the need for “fresh representation” abroad.
Foreign Minister James Pitia acknowledged transition plans are under way and replacements will be announced after host governments grant agrément.
Reading the political temperature
Political analyst Augustino Ting suggests the shuffle sends multiple signals: reward loyalists, prod lagging reformers and reassert presidential authority ahead of the delayed 2024 elections.
He adds that SPLM-IO retains symbolic positions, meaning dialogue channels stay open despite simmering tensions.
What lies ahead
If parliament endorses the new line-up without major pushback, Juba could reclaim momentum on outstanding constitutional and security bills that underpin the peace roadmap, say civic groups.
For citizens weary of conflict and inflation, the ultimate metric will be whether new faces translate into salaries paid on time and roads that stay open in the rainy season.