South Sudan in Crisis: Kiir Fires Kenyan Ambassador as Political Tensions Soar
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has dismissed Monica Achol Abel as the country’s ambassador to Kenya, just four months after she presented her credentials to President William Ruto in Nairobi. This sudden move comes amid rising tensions between Kiir and his first vice president, Riek Machar, sparking fears of further instability in the fragile coalition government.
Escalating Political Crackdown
Abel’s dismissal is part of a broader purge within South Sudan’s leadership, as the National Security Service (NSS) intensifies its crackdown on key government officials. On Thursday, NSS operatives stormed the office of Peacebuilding Minister Stephen Par Kuol and detained him. This followed the arrest of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chuol on Wednesday night, a development many observers see as an indication of an escalating power struggle within Kiir’s administration.
The timing of these developments raises concerns about the future of South Sudan’s already fragile peace process, which has struggled to gain momentum despite multiple agreements brokered over the years.
Ruto Steps In as Crisis Worsens
Kenyan President William Ruto, who has been leading the Tumaini Initiative for South Sudan’s peace process, acknowledged the growing crisis and confirmed that he had spoken to both Kiir and Machar in an effort to de-escalate tensions.
“I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace in the country, even as the region works towards the stabilization of South Sudan under IGAD’s Strategic Framework,” Ruto stated.
He further revealed that regional consultations are underway to determine the best course of action for South Sudan, emphasizing the need for cooperation to prevent further deterioration.
A Nation Stuck in a Cycle of Conflict
South Sudan has been plagued by conflict since it first plunged into civil war in December 2013, triggered by political disagreements within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). The violence, exacerbated by deep ethnic divisions, spread across the country, leading to massive displacement and loss of lives.
Despite multiple peace agreements in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2024, the country remains unstable. The June 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan initially brought about a ceasefire and the formation of a unity government. However, its implementation has been slow, and violence continues to simmer.
With Kiir tightening his grip on power and diplomatic relations now at risk due to abrupt decisions, the fate of South Sudan’s fragile peace remains uncertain. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the region can successfully mediate a solution or if the country will slide further into turmoil.
In other news: Kenya’s Diplomatic Standing at Risk Amid Controversial Roles in Sudan and DRC
South Sudan in Crisis: Kiir Fires Kenyan Ambassador as Political Tensions Soar