By Enyichukwu Enemanna
South Sudan President Salva Kiir has sacked the army chief, General Santino Deng Wol, and the central bank governor, Alic Garang, in his latest move to rejig the country’s security and economic institutions.
President Kiir also fired the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Atem Marol, and appointed Gen. Abraham Peter Manyuat to the post.
The reshuffle marks a notable reorganisation of the leadership within South Sudan’s security apparatus.
No official reasons have been given for the dismissals and reassignments. President Kiir cited his constitutional power to appoint and remove public officials, a prerogative often exercised in such reshuffles.
The central bank governor has been replaced by Johnny Ohisa Damia, who previously held the same position, while General Paul Nang Majok is the new head of the military.
Gen. Wol was reassigned as undersecretary in the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, replacing Atak Santino Majak, who has been relieved of his duties.
A recent presidential decree stated that Samuel Yanga Mikaya, the first deputy governor of the Bank of South Sudan, has been removed and replaced by Yeni Samuel Costa.
At the Ministry of Finance and Planning, Garang Majak was relieved of his duties as the first undersecretary. Arop Nuoi Arop was appointed to take over the role.
South Sudan’s economy has been depressed since a civil war erupted in 2013, forcing about a quarter of its population to flee to neighbouring countries.
The country has been formally at peace since a 2018 deal ended the five-year conflict responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths. However, violence between rival communities frequently flares up.
It postponed a long-delayed national election until December 2026, reflecting the challenges facing the country’s fragile peace process.
