Judul : Kiir Fires VP Bol Mel, Strips Him of Power
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Kiir Fires VP Bol Mel, Strips Him of Power
On Wednesday night, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit removed Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, revoked his political and military positions, and reduced his rank from General to Private, after a week filled with dramatic events, accusations of corruption, and rumors about power succession.
The dramatic action, aired on state television, was one of three presidential orders, which also included the selection of a new central bank chief.
"Under the terms of Section 51(4) of the National Security Service Act, 2014 (as amended), I, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan and Supreme Commander of All Regular Forces, hereby demote Gen. Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel to the rank of Private and he is hereby removed from the National Security Service (NSS)," states the decree issued on November 12.
In addition to a second decree, Bol was effectively removed from four important roles: Vice President of the Economic Cluster, First Deputy Chairperson of the ruling Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), member of the National Security Service, and leader of several major economic reform committees.
Reports indicate that he has been placed under house arrest, with his guards removed last week.
As per several reports from J1—the South Sudanese presidential office—Bol's removal came after two secret letters from the Ministry of Petroleum were revealed, asking foreign oil companies to make a joint advance payment of $2.5 billion (approximately Shs9.5 trillion).
The initial letter, dated October 27, 2025, sent to ONGC Nile Ganga B.V., asked for "an upfront payment of USD 1,000,000,000 (Just One Billion US Dollars) in exchange for crude oil rights held by PETRONAS."
It was signed by Eng. Deng Lual Wol, Deputy of the Ministry of Petroleum.
A second letter, dated October 31, 2025, sent to CNODC/CNPC, requested an extra $1.5 billion "based on crude oil entitlements held by PETRONAS and currently managed by Nile Petroleum Corporation."
Both letters guaranteed repayment "within fifty-four (54) calendar months" via oil deliveries of Nile Blend and Dar Blend, noting that "the lender has the right to take the corresponding amounts each month through a designated lifter appointed by the lender."
According to sources in J1, the Nile Post reported that these letters were "written on behalf of Bol Mel," who is alleged to have planned to redirect the requested money for personal purposes.
Even though insiders claim the funds have not been distributed yet, Bol is alleged to have secretly obtained an additional $300 million via other oil-related deals.
"These are shocking figures in a nation where public officials may not receive their salaries for an entire year," stated a high-ranking government official.
This controversy revealed not just corruption but also how near Bol was to gaining control over the economy.
Rising Threat Within
The collapse of Bol has also been seen as a key action by Kiir to eliminate a possible competitor. In the last year, the 52-year-old entrepreneur-turned-politician had quickly climbed the ranks, taking charge of the government's economic system and becoming a strong political presence.
His rapid ascent—from being appointed Vice President in February, to becoming SPLM First Deputy Chairman in May, and then achieving the rank of full General in September—sparked rumors that Kiir was preparing him to be his successor.
However, as per several political experts, Bol's increasing confidence, regional negotiations, and obvious affluence have caused concern among the traditional faction at J1.
He grew too large, too quickly," mentioned a senior SPLM official. "People began to claim he was the next president, and that marked the start of his downfall.
Sarcastically, only hours before his termination, Bol had shown assurance and a sense of routine. On the morning of November 12, he shared on his verified social media profile that he had met with Somali Ambassador Jamal Hassan Khalif, talking about trade and investment collaborations.
Bol stated, 'The leaders examined more robust alliances in commerce and investment, infrastructure linkages, and cooperation within the private sector.'
We committed to creating a structured trade system that will guarantee advantages for both parties across all cooperation fields.
In the late afternoon, as news of his house arrest circulated throughout Juba, his office released an official statement refuting the claims.
"The Office is pleased to inform the public that Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel has remained in his office all day, continuing his official responsibilities as usual," the statement said, signed by Oyiti Yoanes Akol Ajawin, Bol's press secretary.
The declaration referred to spreading news as "baseless gossip" and commended Bol's "hardworking execution of H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit's plan for a thriving and independent South Sudan."
However, by nightfall, state television had verified the President's action, removing one of South Sudan's most influential figures from the political landscape.
A Wider Purge
Kiir's move against Bol was part of a larger restructuring that focused on multiple high-ranking individuals within the government and the SPLM. Those removed included Paul Logale, the SPLM Secretary-General, who was succeeded by Akol Paul Kordit, and Addis Ababa Othow, the Governor of the Bank of South Sudan, who was replaced by Yeni Samuel Costa.
Simon Akuei, the head of the South Sudan Revenue Authority, was also dismissed and succeeded by William Anyuon Kuol, according to analysts, as part of an initiative to rebuild public trust in financial administration.
South Sudan's economy, damaged by prolonged war and mismanagement, is still near the edge of failure.
Prices have risen sharply, the South Sudanese Pound keeps losing value, and government workers have been without salaries for several months.
Copyright 2025 Nile Post. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (okay1)
Tagged: South Sudan, Governance, East Africa
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