Kiir turns the tables: Dismissal of a prominent ally and reinstatement of his former deputy in changes that raise fears of division in South Sudan.

Arabian Sea Newspaper - Special

Arab Sea - Follow-ups: South Sudan's state television announced on Tuesday that President Salva Kiir has reappointed James Wani Igga as his deputy, after the surprise dismissal of his powerful ally, Benjamin Bol Mel, who was widely considered a potential successor. These changes come at a time of growing concern about the country's return to a cycle of civil war, especially with the continued uncertainty surrounding the succession of the 74-year-old Kiir, amid frequent dismissal and reappointment decisions affecting senior state officials. Observers believe that these moves demonstrate Kiir's constant efforts to balance power within the regime and contain political tensions by appeasing disparate parties. Igga, who served as deputy from 2013 until his dismissal last February, has returned again after only nine months of leaving office, where he was succeeded by Paul Mel, who was dismissed last week along with the governor of the central bank and a number of officials. Kiir's decree also included other changes, including the appointment of Michael Makuei, the former Minister of Information, as Minister of Justice, and the appointment of Mabior Garang, son of the late leader John Garang, as Minister of Environment and Forestry. South Sudan's government includes five vice presidents under the 2018 peace agreement. Riek Machar, the former First Vice President and Kiir's prominent rival, is one of the most prominent political figures, but he is currently on trial for treason, after being placed under house arrest last March.