What's happened
On Nov 12, 2025, South Sudan's President Salva Kiir dismissed Vice President Bol Mel, demoting him from general to private and placing him under house arrest amid corruption allegations and political tensions. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudanese nationals effective Jan 5, 2026, citing improved conditions despite ongoing instability and conflict.
What's behind the headline?
Political Power Struggles and Corruption
Bol Mel's abrupt dismissal and demotion signal deepening fissures within South Sudan's ruling SPLM party. His rapid ascent and control over economic portfolios, including oil revenues, made him a potential successor to President Kiir, unsettling senior figures. The revelation of secretive financial demands from foreign oil companies underscores endemic corruption undermining governance.
Implications of TPS Termination
The U.S. ending TPS for South Sudanese nationals despite ongoing conflict and food insecurity reflects a shift in U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration, prioritizing deportation over humanitarian concerns. This move may strain diplomatic relations, as South Sudan reportedly declined to accept further deportees, complicating repatriation efforts.
Forecast and Consequences
South Sudan faces escalating instability with the suspension of key figures like Vice President Riek Machar and the sidelining of Bol Mel. The political purge may exacerbate factional violence ahead of delayed elections. Internationally, the TPS termination risks forcing vulnerable refugees back into a fragile state, potentially worsening humanitarian conditions and regional instability.
Reader Impact
While distant geographically, these developments highlight the fragility of peace in post-conflict states and the complexities of international refugee policies. The story underscores how political rivalries and corruption can destabilize nations and affect diaspora communities globally.
What the papers say
All Africa details President Kiir's removal of Bol Mel, highlighting his demotion from general to private and house arrest in Juba, citing corruption allegations linked to secret oil payment demands. Bol Mel's own statement expressed gratitude and optimism despite dismissal. AP News emphasizes Bol's close ties to Kiir and U.S. sanctions for corruption, noting the political tension this dismissal may reignite amid ongoing violence and Machar's suspension. Reuters adds that Bol Mel was appointed vice president in February and that other officials, including the central bank governor, were also sacked, referencing a U.N. report accusing Bol's affiliates of misappropriating $1.7 billion.
Regarding TPS, multiple sources including Arab News, The Independent, AP News, New York Times (Madeleine Ngo), and Politico report the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's decision to end TPS for South Sudanese nationals effective January 5, 2026. The decision follows assessments of improved conditions and diplomatic relations but contrasts with UN warnings of escalating conflict and famine risks. Civic leaders like Edmund Yakani suggest the move reflects South Sudan's refusal to accept deportees, angering the Trump administration. The New York Times notes about 230 South Sudanese currently benefit from TPS in the U.S., with the program originally authorized due to armed conflict and extended multiple times since 2011.
How we got here
South Sudan has faced prolonged instability since its 2011 independence, including civil war and political rivalries. Bol Mel, once a trusted ally of President Kiir, rose rapidly in political and economic influence but faced U.S. sanctions for corruption. The U.S. granted TPS to South Sudanese refugees since 2011 due to conflict, but recent peace agreements and diplomatic shifts prompted the U.S. to end TPS despite warnings of renewed violence and humanitarian crises.
Go deeper
- What led to Bol Mel's dismissal and demotion?
- How will ending TPS affect South Sudanese refugees in the U.S.?
- What is the current political situation in South Sudan?
Common question
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Why is the US ending protections for South Sudan?
The US Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudan, effective January 5, 2026. This decision marks a significant shift in US policy amid ongoing instability in South Sudan. Many are asking why protections are ending now, what it means for South Sudanese nationals living in the US, and how this change could impact regional stability. Below, we explore the reasons behind this move and its broader implications.
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What’s the latest on South Sudan’s TPS status?
Recent developments have seen the US government ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for South Sudan, raising questions about the future of thousands of South Sudanese in the US. With ongoing conflict and deteriorating conditions in South Sudan, many are wondering what this means for their safety and legal status. Below, we explore the key details and answer common questions about this significant change and its broader implications.
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What’s Behind the Political Shakeup in South Sudan?
Recent events in South Sudan have raised many questions about the country's stability and future. The dismissal of key leaders and the US ending protected status are signs of shifting dynamics. Curious about what’s driving these changes and what they mean for South Sudan’s peace process? Below, we explore the key questions and provide clear answers to help you understand this complex situation.
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More on these topics
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South Sudan, officially known as the Republic of South Sudan, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Ethiopia, to the north by Sudan, to the west by the Central African Republic, to the south-west by Democratic Repub
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Kristi Lynn Noem is an American politician who is the 33rd governor of South Dakota, serving since 2019. A member of the Republican Party, she previously served as the U.S.
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Riek Machar Teny Dhurgon is a South Sudanese politician who serves as the first Vice President of South Sudan.
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The United States Department of Homeland Security is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.