My humble Advice to Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel
VP Benjamin Bol Mel and President Kiir
By Emmanuel Malual Makuach, Juba, South Sudan
Wednesday, 14 May 2025 (PW) — Dear Dr. Bol Mel, family and friends, there is a widespread belief that Dr. Bol Mel’s appointment as vice president of the Republic of South Sudan will promote national unity. However, this belief appears to be misguided. Many citizens are dissatisfied with the current state of affairs. They perceive this appointment not as a proof to Dr. Bol Mel’s qualifications but rather as a result of personal connections and loyalty. Dr. Bol Mel, along with his family and friends, should be aware that President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s friendships and loyalties are often temporary and contingent upon specific agreements between him and those he appoints.
It was reassuring for others who previously received employment contracts from President Salva Kiir. However, it is important for Dr. Bol Mel to understand that President Salva Kiir Mayardit exercises his power unpredictably. When he offers a contract, there is no way to predict when he might terminate that employment.
Nobody could have predicted that he would dismiss his close friends, such as the late Ambassador Telar Ring, may his soul rest in peace; Gen. Paul Malong Awan, who fought to help him maintain his power; Dr. Majak Agoot who stood by him from the inception of the Liberation Struggle; and former spy chief Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, who was known to be both feared and fiercely loyal to President Kiir Mayardit. These men were exceptionally close to him, always vigilant in guarding and protecting him, and prepared to die for him; however, he removed them from their positions without regard to friendship and more so, unceremoniously.
Despite his strong ambition to assert himself as the country’s leader, Dr. Bol Mel should exercise caution. His ambition is unhealthy for the country and himself. He must keep in mind that President Salva Kiir Mayardit, known for his sharp wit and skillful political strategies throughout East Africa and South Sudan, is a savvy and tough intelligence expert with considerable experience.
Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel should acknowledge that he is one of the individuals appointed by President Salva Kiir Mayardit. However, the people of South Sudan have lost faith in most leaders appointed by the president, as these individuals often appear to take pride in their positions rather than serving the citizens. As a result, public expectations for Bol Mel’s leadership and emergence are diminishing.
I argue that, in addition to providing substantive advice to the president as the vice president for the economic cluster, Dr. Bol Mel, who is affiliated with the SPLM and shares similarities with many vice presidents in other countries, can play a crucial role in promoting good governance. The governance South Sudanese advocate for should reflect the core values of a democratic society rather than the values he wishes to impose, which are characteristic of militarized states.
The presidential decree decisions from President Kiir Mayardit were not mistakes in decision-making, but he needs help in the free flow of ideas of good governance and development of the country. However, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel seems to be inclined to influence the president to appoint him as his successor in case of any political vacuum in the country.
The political atmosphere has risen higher and higher since the appointment of Dr. Bol Mel as a vice president of the economic cluster of the Republic of South Sudan. This is because he has been involved in arrogantly commanding every quarter of the government, dismissing people at random, and even shaping the military operations and harassing the security directors and the Chief of Defense Force.
Since Dr. Bol Mel’s appointment as vice president of the economic cluster, I have been observing the dynamics and relationships among SPLM/A veterans. It appears that there is a lack of respect and connection with the freedom fighters and veterans of the country. This situation implies that Dr. Bol Mel should pause and consider his origins.
The implications of the succession politics between President Kiir Mayardit and his business partner, who subsequently became the vice president of the economy, are significant. They suggest that the country may face further turmoil, and there is a risk that the SPLM will lose its cohesion. So, Dr. Bol Mel must watch out.
The family and friends of Vice President Dr. Bol Mel, especially the communication team in his office, should focus on helping him communicate effectively about various issues that affect his future. The communication team in Vice President Dr. Bol Mel’s office needs to prioritize clear communication instead of merely wearing suits or boasting about their achievements during their short tenure. Simply stating, “I work in the office of Vice President for Economic Clusters, Dr. Bol Mel,” will not provide him with the support or protection needed regarding domestic and international relations.
Youths will raise their voices because the ambition portrayed by Dr. Bol Mel is dangerous for the country since Dr. Bol Mel, who himself is incompetent, is relying on the appointment of other incompetent employees.
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