South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed the head of the country’s intelligence agency and announced a compulsory national prayer gathering for senior officials.
In a series of presidential decrees broadcast on state television on Thursday night, Gen. Charles Chiec Mayor was removed as Director General of the Internal Security Bureau (ISB) of the National Security Service (NSS).
He was replaced by Gen. Mawien Mawien Ariik (also known as Mawien Magol), who was promoted from Major General. Gen. Mawien, who is from Warrap state, is not widely known publicly.
No official reason was given for Gen. Chiec’s dismissal after just 10 months in the role.
The move follows a recent reshuffle of political and security figures, including last month’s removal of Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel from the vice presidency.
The South Sudanese leader also dismissed and and appointed other official in another presidential decree.
The officials relieved of their posts are: Engineer Caesar Oliha Marko, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Transport; Dr. Santino Mathiok, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Mining; John Woja Elinana, Director General of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority; Prof. Robert Mayom Deng, Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba; and John Daniel Kipa, Commissioner for the Finance Intelligence Unit of the NSS.
They were replaced by the following appointees: Paul Dhel Gum as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Transport; Deng Makuok as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Mining; Engineer Ayiei Garang Deng Ayiei as Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority; Prof. John Akec Apurout, who was reappointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba; and Bona Ngong Nguen as Commissioner of the Financial Intelligence Unit.
Mandatory Prayer Breakfast
In a separate announcement, President Kiir declared an annual National Prayer Breakfast, with the first event scheduled for Saturday at the Presidency in Juba.
Attendance is mandatory for the country’s top leadership, including vice presidents, ministers, military commanders, state governors, legislators, and judiciary members.
The presidency stated the event, running from 07:30 am to 12:00 pm, aims to provide a platform for “divine guidance,” promote unity, and recommit leaders to national values.
“It is a solemn occasion for the entire leadership to unite in spirit,” President Kiir said, according to the announcement.
Civil society reaction
Edmund Yakani, a prominent civil society activist, welcomed the initiative.
“The country is now at a stage of seeking serious forgiveness and reconciliation including healing from the broken social fabric,” said Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization.
He described it as a positive step that could foster forgiveness between the government and its opponents.
The announcements come a day after the presidency approved sweeping amendments to the country’s peace agreement to pave the way for elections scheduled for December 2026.