South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel in a dramatic move following allegations of corruption and a growing power struggle within the country’s leadership. In a sweeping action broadcast on state television, Kiir stripped Bol Mel of all his political and military ranks, demoting him from General to Private and removing him from multiple key government positions.
This action comes after the leak of two letters in late October 2025, revealing requests for a combined $2.5 billion advance from foreign oil companies. These letters, allegedly authored on Bol Mel’s behalf, requested substantial funds against crude oil entitlements from the Ministry of Petroleum. The correspondence raised suspicions that Bol Mel intended to divert the money for personal gain, deepening corruption concerns.
Bol Mel, who had risen quickly through the ranks of South Sudan’s political system, is now under house arrest. According to sources within the Juba presidential office (J1), the letters raised alarm about the concentration of economic power in Bol Mel’s hands, as well as his growing political influence. Prior to his dismissal, Bol Mel had been considered a potential successor to President Kiir, fueling speculation about succession politics within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
The political environment had become tense, with many insiders feeling Bol Mel was “too big, too fast” in his rise to prominence. His wealth, growing influence in regional diplomacy, and control over South Sudan’s economic apparatus made him a formidable figure. However, his assertiveness reportedly unsettled the old guard in the government, leading to his downfall.
Kiir’s decree also removed Bol Mel from his role as Vice President for the Economic Cluster, as well as from leadership positions within SPLM, the National Security Service (NSS), and several economic reform committees. In addition to Bol Mel’s demotion, Kiir’s actions included a broader reshuffle of senior government positions, including the firing of Paul Logale, Addis Ababa Othow, and Simon Akuei. These changes were seen as an effort to restore public confidence in South Sudan’s fiscal management and address ongoing issues of corruption.
The allegations surrounding Bol Mel’s involvement in a $300 million oil-related transaction have stirred anger in a country where civil servants are frequently unpaid for months. The news of his demotion, which followed hours of denials from his office, has shocked South Sudan’s political landscape, leaving many wondering about the future direction of the country’s leadership.
This high-profile political purge occurs amid worsening economic conditions in South Sudan, where inflation is soaring, the currency continues to weaken, and public services are struggling. While Kiir’s reshuffle is seen as a move to consolidate power and address the economic crisis, many South Sudanese citizens remain concerned about the long-term stability of the nation, which has faced years of conflict and political instability.
As the country moves forward, questions remain about the political fallout from Bol Mel’s removal and whether Kiir’s leadership will be able to navigate the complex challenges ahead, particularly in rebuilding the economy and addressing the humanitarian crisis that continues to affect millions in South Sudan.
