South Sudan’s Kiir Fires Foreign, Trade Ministers in Latest Cabinet Shake-Up

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed the foreign and trade ministers, as well as senior security officials, in a new government reshuffle. No reasons were given for the changes. The move is part of a pattern of frequent dismissals and appointments across government and security institutions in recent months, including earlier changes to top parliamentary and finance positions.

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has carried out another major government reshuffle, dismissing the country’s foreign and trade ministers along with senior officials in the national security apparatus, according to a presidential decree announced by the state broadcaster.
The South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation reported that Semeya Kumba has been removed from his position as foreign minister, while Atong Kuol Manyang was sacked as trade minister. The decree did not provide any explanation for the sudden dismissals, continuing a pattern in which high-level changes are made without official reasons being disclosed.
In addition to the ministerial changes, Kiir also removed Mawien Mawien Ariik from his role as director general of the Internal Security Bureau under the National Security Service. He was replaced by Akec Tong Aleu, who has now taken over the influential security post responsible for internal intelligence and national security operations.
The latest shake-up adds to a long list of leadership changes made by President Kiir in recent months, reflecting ongoing political reshuffling within the government and security institutions. His administration has frequently adjusted key positions in both civilian and military structures, often without public explanation, fueling speculation about internal power dynamics and efforts to maintain control over state institutions.
Earlier this month, Kiir dismissed the speaker and deputy speaker of the national parliament, further reshaping the country’s legislative leadership. In February, he also removed Finance Minister Bak Barnaba Chol after only three months in office, again without providing a reason for the decision.
These repeated changes highlight the fluid nature of South Sudan’s political appointments under Kiir’s leadership, where senior officials are often replaced in quick succession. Analysts say such frequent reshuffles can create uncertainty within government institutions, although they also reflect the president’s continued effort to consolidate authority and manage internal political balances.
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, has faced years of political instability and economic challenges, and leadership changes at the highest levels remain a regular feature of its governance landscape.