South Sudan's President Salva Kiir fires ambassador to Kenya amid rising political turmoil
President William Ruto, who has been leading South Sudan’s Tumaini Initiative peace process, acknowledged the escalating crisis, revealing that he had spoken to both Kiir and Machar.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has abruptly 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.
The move, confirmed by a South Sudanese government source and broadcast on state television, comes without an official explanation but follows a familiar pattern of Kiir's late-night firings and reshuffles, often executed on Mondays and Wednesdays.
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Achol Abel's diplomatic tenure was cut short at a time when political tensions in Juba were reaching dangerous levels.
The relationship between Kiir and his first vice president, Riek Machar, has deteriorated sharply, with armed forces now surrounding Machar's residence, raising fears of further instability in the fragile coalition government.
Abel's dismissal is also part of a broader crackdown on political figures, as South Sudan's National Security Service (NSS) intensifies arrests of key government officials.
Minister detained
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, in what observers see as a growing internal power struggle within the ruling administration.
The timing of these developments raises questions about the future of South Sudan's delicate peace process, which has struggled to gain momentum despite repeated agreements.
Kenyan President William Ruto, who has been leading South Sudan’s Tumaini Initiative peace process, acknowledged the escalating crisis, revealing that he had spoken to both Kiir and Machar on Thursday.
"I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace in the country, even as the region works towards the stabilisation of South Sudan under IGAD's Strategic Framework," Ruto said.
"I also informed the two leaders that regional consultations are underway to determine the best path forward for the situation in South Sudan," he added.
A history of unresolved conflict
South Sudan 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, causing mass displacement and suffering.
Multiple peace agreements and ceasefires in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2024 have failed to fully stabilise the country.
The June 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan brought about a ceasefire and the formation of a unity government, but its implementation has been slow, and violence continues to simmer.
With Kiir tightening his grip on power and diplomatic relationships now being shaken by abrupt decisions, the fate of South Sudan's fragile peace remains uncertain.
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