In a statement issued Thursday, Bol Mel described his time in office as “one of the greatest honours” of his life and thanked Mr Kiir for the opportunity to serve both in government and within the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
“Your Excellency, I extend my deepest gratitude to you for granting me the privilege to serve the people of South Sudan as Vice President and Chairperson of the Economic Cluster, and as First Deputy Chairperson of the SPLM Party,” Bol Mel wrote.
Kiir relieved Bol Mel of his roles as Vice President for Economic Cluster, First Deputy Chairperson of the SPLM, and stripped him of his rank as a general and dismissed him from the National Security Service in unprecedented decrees read on South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation on Wednesday night.
The move came amid days of speculation over his political standing, following unconfirmed reports that he had been placed under house arrest.
In his statement, Bol Mel highlighted several accomplishments during his tenure, including efforts to attract private-sector investment, improve non-oil revenue collection, and strengthen accountability in national financial systems.
“We worked to attract new investments into the country, opening doors for private-sector participation and laying important foundations for long-term economic growth,” he noted, adding that his team “made significant strides in streamlining the collection and utilization of non-oil revenues.”
Bol Mel also cited his engagement with the diplomatic community on economic cooperation and his work to “revive SPLM party structures and reinvigorate grassroots support” ahead of the general elections.
He credited these achievements to what he described as the “enabling environment and steady leadership” of President Kiir.
“As our nation moves forward, I have full confidence that South Sudan and the SPLM will continue to rise under your stewardship,” he stated, commending the president for setting the country “on the right path, defined by unity, peace, and inclusive development.”
Bol Mel’s removal marks one of the most significant changes in President Kiir’s administration this year, coming just months after his appointment to the powerful Economic Cluster in February. His dismissal has stirred speculation about potential realignments within the SPLM leadership ahead of the long-delayed general elections.
