Benjamin Bol Mel/Facebook

Benjamin Bol Mel with President Salva Kiir.

In a shock move, President Salva Kiir has dismissed one of his vice-presidents, Benjamin Bol Mel, who had been tipped to succeed him.

Kiir dismissed Bol Mel from the National Security Service and stripped him of his general rank. He also sacked the central bank governor and the revenue authority head, both considered close allies of Bol Mel. No explanation was given for the dismissals.

This follows a week marked by allegations of corruption, intrigue, and whispers about succession politics within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

Bol Mel expressed appreciation to President Kiir for the opportunity to serve, while reflecting on his achievements in government and within the SPLM party.