Finance, Petroleum and Security Chiefs Removed in Major Political Overhaul

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has made sweeping changes in his administration, removing top officials in the finance, security and petroleum sectors while reinstating two of his most trusted allies Tut Gatluak Manimeh and Barnaba Bak Chol  to senior government positions.

The major reshuffle, announced through state broadcaster SSBC on Monday evening, comes at a time when the South Sudanese economy continues to face rising inflation and currency depreciation. Political analysts in Juba view the move as part of the president’s strategy to consolidate control over key institutions and restore loyalty within the cabinet.

In a decree read on national television, Kiir reappointed Tut Gatluak Manimeh as Presidential Advisor on National Security, replacing Madut Biar Yel, who was relieved of his duties. Gatluak, a long time presidential confidant and chief peace negotiator, previously held the same advisory position from 2016 until January 2024. He has played a central role in South Sudan’s regional diplomacy, particularly in mediating Sudan’s peace process.

After his removal earlier this year, Gatluak was briefly appointed Presidential Envoy on Middle Eastern Affairs and later named Ambassador to Kuwait, though he never took up the diplomatic post. Instead, he remained in Juba, continuing to influence the presidency’s political direction and negotiations.

In another decree, Kiir dismissed Athian Diing Athian, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, and reappointed Barnaba Bak Chol to the role. Bak, who previously served from August 2023 to March 2024, returns at a time when the South Sudanese pound is under intense pressure, trading at about SSP 7,100 per US dollar, reflecting ongoing economic instability and public frustration over the rising cost of living.

The decrees were released after a one hour delay in SSBC’s regular news bulletin, as staff were instructed to “wait for new announcements”, a sign that major government changes were imminent.

Within the Office of the President, Chol Ajongo, Minister of Presidential Affairs, was dismissed and replaced by Africano Mande, while Ajing Deng was removed as Executive Director and replaced by James Deng Wal, who previously held the same role.

At the Ministry of Petroleum, Deng Lual, the Undersecretary, was also relieved of his duties and replaced by Chol Deng, another former holder of the post. The move is seen as part of a wider restructuring in the ministry that oversees South Sudan’s oil revenues, which remain the backbone of the national economy.

The presidential orders did not specify reasons for the dismissals or reappointments. However, observers say the reshuffle reflects President Kiir’s intent to stabilise his administration by restoring trusted figures to positions of influence, particularly in finance and energy, two sectors critical to South Sudan’s economic recovery.

South Sudan’s fragile peace remains under pressure amid renewed tension between the government and the main opposition faction led by First Vice President Riek Machar. Fighting in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, earlier this year has further strained relations within the unity government. Machar has been under house arrest since March and now faces a high level trial, raising new uncertainty about the future of the peace process.

Political analysts say that while the reshuffle might reinforce Kiir’s control in the short term, the return of familiar faces suggests continuity rather than change, especially in how the government manages the economy and the oil sector. Businesses and investors will be watching closely to see whether the appointments translate into policy reforms or simply mark another cycle of political repositioning in Juba.

Summary of Key Government Reshuffles (November 2025)