The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has dismissed his influential Vice President Benjamin Bor Mel just eight months after his appointment. In a decree issued from State House, Juba, Kiir also removed Dr. Mel as deputy leader of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
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The presidential proclamation further demoted Mel from General to Private and dismissed him from the National Security Service (NSS).
“Pursuant to Section 51(4) of the National Security Service Act, 2014 (as amended), I, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan and Supreme Commander of All Regular Forces, hereby demote Gen. Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel to the rank of Private and dismiss him from the NSS,” read the decree aired on state television on November 12.
Several of Mel’s allies were also removed from key positions:
- Addis Ababa Othow was sacked as Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, replaced by Yeni Samuel Costa.
- Simon Akuei was removed as Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, with William Anyuon Kuol named in his place.
- Paul Logale, SPLM Secretary General, was replaced by Akol Paul Kordit.
The shake-up follows speculation that Mel had been placed under house arrest after security around his homes was scaled down earlier this week. The move surprised many, as the 47-year-old Mel had been considered Kiir’s likely successor.
Mel, sanctioned by the United States for alleged corruption, had risen rapidly in both government and the military. In September, he was promoted from Lieutenant General to full General within the NSS — a rank now revoked. His elevation marked his third major promotion in less than a year, fueling speculation about his growing influence in Juba.
Mel was appointed Vice President and head of the government’s economic cluster in February, replacing veteran politician Dr. James Wani Igga, and became First Deputy Chairman of SPLM in May. In a September statement after his promotion, Mel acknowledged the support of President Kiir and first lady Mary Ayen Mayardit in his rise.
The UN has accused Mel of systematic corruption, with its Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (CHRSS) report titled “Plundering a Nation” alleging that Mel and allied elites diverted billions in public funds, leaving over 90% of infrastructure projects unbuilt.
The commission estimates that $2.2 billion was siphoned off-budget, worsening a humanitarian crisis where two-thirds of South Sudan’s 12 million people face severe food insecurity.
Mel was previously sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2017 over allegations that his construction company received preferential treatment for government contracts, though Kiir continued to promote him despite the sanctions.
It remains unclear whether the latest dismissals were prompted by the UN report, but the moves mark a dramatic political shift in Juba, sidelining a figure once considered Kiir’s heir apparent.
