Bol Mel’s rise sparks speculation of Salva Kiir’s succession strategy

South Sudan Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel was appointed deputy party leader of President Salva Kiir’s (inset) Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Government (SPLM-IG).

Photo credit: Pool

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir may have offered a glimpse into his succession plan, even though he has not yet indicated any retirement plans, for now.

The rumour first emerged in February, as the country’s coalition members bickered over support for a local militia, the result of which saw the detention of First Vice-President Riek Machar to date.