Implications of VP Benjamin Bol’s Future Presidency on the Economic and Political Landscape of South Sudan
By Agar Mayor Gai-Makoon, Cairo, Egypt
“Fellow comrades, transition can be difficult, and change can bring division. But I urge you all never to allow this moment to divide us. Let us remain united.” — President Salva Kiir Mayardit, May 22, 2025, at SPLM House
Monday, 26 May 2025 (PW) — While listening to President Kiir’s speech last week, I felt transported one step into the future, a different South Sudan, shaped by a change in leadership. A change of guards signals a new chapter for our country. His speech conveyed both courage and a renewed hope for a better South Sudan: courage to pursue the founding ideals of our nation, and hope in the promise of a new generation of leaders.
Transition is now unfolding, and we must embrace it, for it is inevitable. As the president rightly noted, transition is never easy, it demands strong leadership, vigilance, and unwavering commitment. Above all, it must be procedural and consistent with the guiding principles of the SPLM party. Encouragingly, the SPLM appears to be moving in the right direction. The party is undergoing restructuring ahead of the upcoming elections, which gives us reason to hope for meaningful change. After all, internal rifts within the SPLM have historically destabilized South Sudan. The political fallout of 2012 derailed the 2015 elections and sparked the tragic conflict of December 2013, a conflict whose effects still ripple through every corner of the country.
Historically, the SPLM has been both the engine and the obstacle of South Sudanese progress. One of its persistent problems is the entrenched politico-military hierarchy, which has stifled talent and innovation within the party. This structure has prevented the SPLM from evolving to meet the needs of a sovereign, post-conflict nation, it remains locked in the mindset of a liberation movement.
However, there are signs that this is beginning to change. President Kiir appears committed to dismantling the old politico-military order. His appointment of younger deputies, men of middle age to positions formerly held by founding comrades, indicates a recognition of the need for generational renewal. This is a commendable move that deserves full support from the youth within the party.
That said, skepticism remains. President Kiir once resisted such change, famously defending the sanctity of the politico-military hierarchy in 2002. His current gesture would be far more convincing if he voluntarily renounced his candidacy for the 2026 elections. Doing so would not only reassure the older generation but also signal his genuine commitment to democratic succession. Fortunately, the SPLM Constitution provides clear legal mechanisms for relinquishing the chairmanship.
This brings us to a key question: If Vice President Benjamin Bol assumes the SPLM chairmanship, and, by extension, the presidency, what would the implications be for South Sudan’s political and economic future?
VP Bol is currently the first deputy chairman of the SPLM. Should President Kiir step aside, or should the chairmanship become vacant, Bol would be a leading contender to succeed him, either through internal party processes or a national election. In recent months, Bol has signaled a readiness to lead. His public rhetoric increasingly emphasizes peace and prosperity, suggesting that he is positioning himself for the presidency.
Economic Implications
VP Benjamin Bol is no stranger to South Sudan’s economic challenges. A seasoned businessman, he once chaired the South Sudan Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, and now serves as Vice President for the Economic Cluster. His extensive experience in the country’s financial sector suggests a practical understanding of our economic struggles. In the presidency, he may directly influence economic policy, potentially bringing a more technocratic approach to governance.
However, Bol’s candidacy is not without controversy. He is currently under U.S. Magnitsky sanctions, a fact that may complicate his relations with Western financial institutions. While pivoting South Sudan’s economic alliances toward the East could be a strategic alternative, it would not resolve the country’s tarnished international image, which remains defined by corruption and insecurity.
If the corruption allegations leveled against Bol are accurate, his presidency could entrench kleptocratic practices and further erode public trust. It would suggest that corruption is not only tolerated but institutionally protected. While Bol has denied these allegations, his ability to complete long-stalled infrastructure projects will be a critical test of his credibility. Until then, many South Sudanese will continue to view The Sentry’s damning reports as truthful.
Political Implications
The political implications of VP Bol’s ascent will largely depend on the path he takes to power. Whether through constitutional succession, a party election, or a national vote, his presidency is likely to face resistance. There are many veteran politicians and military leaders who feel they are more deserving of the top job. Their current silence is due less to deference and more to the unmatched political heft of President Kiir. Should Kiir step down, their ambitions will be reignited.
South Sudan’s political culture is not yet mature. Many still believe that leadership must be earned through liberation credentials rather than competence. Even young politicians attempt to frame their narratives within the legacy of the armed struggle, citing affiliations such as the Red Army as political capital. While the history of our struggle is deeply significant, it must not be the sole qualification for leadership.
We need leaders who understand the complex challenges of this new era, leaders capable of building institutions, fostering unity, and ensuring accountability. Unfortunately, until this political mindset shifts, any presidency, including that of Benjamin Bol, will be threatened by internal sabotage and potentially violent opposition. Navigating this terrain will be Bol’s ultimate test.
The Author, Agar Mayor Gai-Makoon, has a background in sociopolitical philosophy and is currently studying medicine at Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt. He can be reached at +201129107334 or via email at [thieng.thiengwada@gmail.com](mailto:thieng.thiengwada@gmail.com).
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