In a series of presidential decrees, President Salva Kiir on Tuesday evening made various leadership changes and reorganizations in various governments and state agencies.

By Emmanuel Mandella

In a series of presidential decrees, President Salva Kiir on Tuesday evening made various leadership changes and reorganizations in various governments and state agencies.

President Kiir dismissed Gen. Francis Marial Abur the Governor of Warrap State, and also relieved Dr. Chol Deng, the Chief Administrator of Abyei Administrative Area.

The decision, announced on state television SSBC, marks the third change in Warrap’s leadership in just four months. No official reason was given for Gen. Abur’s removal.

Taking over from Gen. Abur is Gen. Magok Magok Deng.

In October 2024, President Kiir revoked the appointment of former long-serving spy chief Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, who had been earlier named governor of Warrap State after he was dismissed from the position of Director General of the Internal Service Bureau.

However, in a turn of events, Koor, who was named governor in absentia, was relieved from the gubernatorial position just hours after his return to the country. And Gen. Marial Abur was named as his successor.

“It is difficult to establish effective governance when state leadership is constantly changing,” said political commentator James Muorwel. “The situation in Warrap is a test of the ability to balance political loyalty and state stability.”

Meanwhile, yesterday’s presidential decree also saw Dr. Chol Deng, the Abyei Chief Administrator, relieved from the position and replaced by Justice Charles Abyei Jok. Dr. Chol had served in the role multiple times since 2017, overseeing an area with a disputed status between Sudan and South Sudan.

President Kiir’s decrees also extended beyond gubernatorial changes. Santino Bol Montier was removed as deputy chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, with Aguek Ring Mabil coming in as his successor. Additionally, the appointment of Korwel Kuai Korwel as chairperson of the Council of National Bureau of Standards was revoked.

The latest shake-up comes as South Sudan prepares for its first national elections in December 2026, with key provisions of the 2018 peace agreement still unfulfilled including the unification of armed forces and drafting of a permanent constitution.

“This is a crucial moment for South Sudan,” said governance expert Mary Ajak. “The leadership changes may be necessary, but they also highlight the fragility of the country’s political structure as elections approach.”

At the swearing-in ceremony of Gen. Abur, President Kiir made appealed to then incoming Governor to harness his political authority and elder status to foster a climate of peace and unity in the state.

“You must find amicable solutions to the issues in Warrap,” President Kiir stated.

The head of state also called for an end to revenge conflicts, highlighting the need for stability and safety, especially for vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly, as he embarked on his gubernatorial duties. As Gen Magok Magok steps in, the onus will be on him to ensure he steps up and achieve the president’s vision of a peaceful, cohesive and stable Warrap. Meanwhile, Charles Abyei Jok will also steady the inside politics and leadership of the Abyei administrative area, to ensure stability and clear direction.