Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel and Josephine Joseph Lagu have officially been sworn in as South Sudan’s newest vice presidents. Their inauguration took place less than two days after President Salva Kiir announced their appointments on Monday night.
South Sudan operates with five vice presidents under the framework of the 2018 peace accord.
Among those removed from office is James Wani Igga, a long-serving politician who has held the position since 2013. He also served as deputy chair of the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, another vice president, has also been replaced. He represented the opposition alliance known as SSOA, a signatory to the 2018 peace agreement.
Akol has now taken over as minister of agriculture, replacing Josephine Joseph Lagu, who is also from the SSOA alliance. Lagu, in turn, has moved up to serve as vice president in charge of the service cluster.
Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, previously sanctioned by the United States in 2017 over alleged corruption, has been appointed vice president for the economic cluster, taking over from Igga.
Before this appointment, Mel worked as a special presidential envoy for key government projects. His name has often surfaced in political discussions, with speculation about his potential as a future successor to President Kiir.
During the oath-taking ceremony, President Kiir acknowledged the economic difficulties facing citizens and tasked Vice President Bol Mel with implementing major reforms to stabilize the economy.
He urged a shift toward economic diversification, with a strong emphasis on agriculture as a means of ensuring food security.
In his first speech as vice president, Bol Mel expressed his deep gratitude to President Kiir for the trust placed in him.
He assured the nation of his dedication to serving with integrity and determination, vowing to act decisively for the benefit of both South Sudan and the SPLM.
“I am committed to advancing our economic agenda and working closely with H.E. to ensure South Sudan secures its rightful place in the region,” Dr. Bol Mel stated.
Meanwhile, Josephine Lagu conveyed her appreciation to President Kiir for entrusting her with the new role. “I pledge not to disappoint the people of South Sudan,” she said.
Lagu underscored the need for collective effort between the government and the people to enhance essential services and improve living conditions nationwide.
