President Salva Kiir has carried out a major Government reshuffle, dismissing the Finance minister and Army chief in the latest shake-up within South Sudan’s transitional Administration.
In a series of Republican Decrees broadcast on the State-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday, Kiir removed Salvatore Garang Mabiordit as Minister of Finance and Planning, just three months after his appointment. He was replaced by Kuol Daniel Avulo.
The reshuffle comes as South Sudan continues to grapple with inflation, fiscal instability and wider economic challenges, although the Government did not provide reasons for the minister’s dismissal.
Kiir also dismissed Gen. Paul Nang Majok as Chief of Defense Forces of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), appointing Gen. Santino Deng Wol as his replacement. Gen. Nang was reassigned as Undersecretary for Veterans’ Affairs at the Ministry of Defense, effectively exchanging positions with Gen. Deng Wol, who previously held the role.
Gen. Nang’s removal marks the end of his second term as army chief after he was reappointed in October 2025. He had previously held the position from January to July 2025 before being replaced by Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol.
Deng Wol previously served as army chief from 2021 to 2024 and now returns to the military’s top command. However, his reappointment is expected to attract attention because he has been under sanctions by the United Nations Security Council since July 1, 2015, over allegations that he contributed to escalating conflict and undermining reconciliation efforts in South Sudan.
The reshuffle also affected other sectors, with Clement Juma Mbugonvia appointed Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, while former Jonglei State governor Mahjoub Biel Turuk was named Deputy Minister of Public Service and Human Resource Development.
Analysts say the frequent changes within the military leadership reflect ongoing efforts by the presidency to consolidate authority, manage internal political dynamics and respond to evolving security concerns. All decrees took immediate effect upon announcement.