BREAKING | Kiir dismisses top security officials, ministers after rebel advance in Jonglei

JUBA — South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed senior security officials and replaced several ministers and a state governor, in decrees read out on state television on Monday, as rebel forces advance in Jonglei State and insecurity worsens across parts of the country.

The decrees, broadcast by the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), included changes at the top of the intelligence service and the interior ministry, alongside a broader cabinet reshuffle.

Kiir promoted Maj. Gen. Abraham K. Majok to the rank of general and appointed him director-general of the General (external) Intelligence Bureau of the National Security Service, replacing Gen. Thoi Chany, according to the announcements.

In other changes, Kiir appointed Aleu Ayieny as minister of interior, replacing Angelina Teny, and named Sarah Lino as minister of culture, museums and national heritage, replacing Nadia Arop Dudi.

Anthony Lino Makana was appointed minister of labour, replacing James Hoth Mai, while Ezekiel Lol was named minister of public service and human resource development, replacing Dak Duop Bichiok.

At the state level, Kiir appointed Madhang Majok Meen as the new governor of Lakes State, replacing Rin Tueny Mabor.

The reshuffle comes as opposition forces from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) push south in Jonglei State, where they captured Pajut, a key town located in Duk County along the main route to the state capital Bor.

The advance has heightened fears of further movement toward the state capital and prompted the government to deploy reinforcements in an attempt to protect impending rebel offensive on the state capital.

Fighting has also flared in parts of Unity, Eastern Equatoria and Upper Nile states in recent weeks, raising concern among regional and international observers about the risk of wider escalation and the erosion of fragile security arrangements under a 2018 peace agreement that ended a five-year civil war.

The government did not explicitly link the dismissals and appointments to the latest battlefield developments. However, analysts say changes in the security sector often accompany periods of heightened military pressure and internal political strain.

South Sudan has struggled to fully implement key provisions of the peace deal, including security reforms and the unification of forces, leaving the country vulnerable to renewed conflict as political tensions and localized fighting intensify.