South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir on Friday dismissed the governor of Upper Nile State and swiftly named a successor in a region long marred by insecurity.

In a decree aired on state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), Kiir removed Governor James Koang Chuol from office and appointed Jacob Dollar Ruot to take over the post.

The order, effective immediately, did not explain the reason behind the shake-up. Koang, who assumed the position in March, was not assigned a new role.

Quoting the country’s amended Transitional Constitution, Kiir’s statement read:

“Pursuant to Article 165.1(b) and 106.82(a) of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011 as amended, I, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, do hereby relieve Hon. James Koang Chuol Ranley from his position as the Governor of Upper Nile State.”

A follow-up proclamation formally appointed Ruot:

“I, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, do hereby appoint Hon. Jacob Dollar Ruot as the Governor of Upper Nile State.”

Koang, an army general, had been named governor after clashes erupted between the White Army militia and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces in Upper Nile. Ruot, also from Nasir, previously served as speaker of the state legislative assembly.

Reacting to the leadership change, prominent civil society figure Edmund Yakani congratulated the incoming governor but urged him to address the state’s entrenched violence and instability.

Yakani, who heads the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization, said political elites have long stoked communal conflict in Upper Nile, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the consequences.

“Our brothers and sisters from Upper Nile State have endured negative politics marked by deadly violence, gross human rights abuses, hunger and perilous journeys across the waters without aid,” he said.

He called on Ruot to “repair the broken social fabric,” prioritize civilian protection, reduce military tensions and promote inclusive dialogue.

“We know our communities have no inherent problems, but they have been pushed into violence as a way of settling differences,” Yakani noted. “Communities can disagree or misunderstand each other, but violence is not the answer.”

He added that civil society groups would back the new administration if it prioritizes safeguarding civilians and refrains from fueling conflict.

“The time has come to intensify efforts and meet citizens’ demand for peace and stability,” Yakani concluded. “We hope your term will be one of restoration and healing of the social fabric.”