SOUTH SUDAN: President Salva Kiir Removes South Sudan Ambassador To Kenya

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, has dismissed Monica Achol Abel as the country’s ambassador to Kenya and as a diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to a decree issued on Wednesday.

The announcement was made via the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), although no specific reasons were given for her removal.

The decree invoked the President’s constitutional powers to appoint and dismiss government officials, as outlined under the Diplomatic and Consular Service Act of 2011 and the Interpretation of Laws and General Provisions Act of 2006.

“Pursuant to the provisions of Section 37(f) and 25(i) of the Diplomatic and Consular Service Act 2011, and Section 38(i) of the Interpretation of Laws and General Provisions Act 2006, I, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, hereby terminate the service of Ambassador Monica Achol Abel as a diplomat in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,” the decree stated.

Ambassador Abel was appointed to the position in November 2024, succeeding Chol Ajongo Mawut, who was reassigned as Minister of Presidential Affairs in August of the same year.

President Kiir has frequently reshuffled government officials, often within a few months of their appointments. The latest decision has sparked speculation, though the government has provided no further explanation regarding the circumstances surrounding Ambassador Abel’s dismissal.

As of now, the South Sudanese government has not announced a replacement for the position.