SOUTH SUDAN: President Salva Kiir Dismisses Ruweng Chief Administrator Amid Regional Unrest

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan 

In a significant political move, South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, has dismissed Top Monyluak from his position as Chief Administrator of the Ruweng Administrative Area on Friday, as reported by the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).

Monyluak, who had held the position since May 2024, was removed less than a year into his term, though the announcement did not provide specific reasons for his dismissal.

Reinstating Stefano Wieu as the new Chief Administrator, President Kiir has taken a familiar approach; Wieu previously served in this role before his own dismissal earlier in May 2024.

The president’s pattern of appointing and dismissing officials has raised eyebrows, with changes often occurring just months after appointments.

This decree comes in the wake of recent violence in the Ruweng Administrative Area. Tensions escalated following an attack by armed youth from neighboring Mayom County in Unity State, who assaulted Abiemnhom County, part of the Ruweng area.

Reports indicate that the attack temporarily led to the capture of the county headquarters and resulted in at least 29 fatalities, according to official sources.

As the region grapples with ongoing instability, the implications of Kiir’s leadership decisions are anticipated to be closely monitored in the coming days.