Benjamin Bol Mel
Benjamin Bol Mel is the newly appointed vice president of South Sudan, who has become a controversial figure amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, with many fearing that his potential succession could lead to an immediate coup d'état.
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Recent news mentions
Benjamin Bol Mel was ousted from his position as First Vice President in a surprise dismissal.
Ruto meets South Sudan clergy after First Vice President ousted
Kenya· 2025-11-18
Bol Mel, 47, was appointed vice-president in February, replacing James Wani Igga.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir sacks Vice-President Bol Mel
United Kingdom· 2025-11-13
Benjamin Bol Mel is a businessman and the second vice-president of South Sudan, who has been positioned to succeed Salva Kiir.
Ailing Salva Kiir prepares volatile successionKenya· 2025-07-03
Benjamin Bol Mel was promoted by Salva Kiir and is viewed as Kiir’s chosen successor.
US deportations cast spotlight on South Sudan’s deepening political crisis | South SudanUnited Kingdom· 2025-05-21
Benjamin Bol Mel was promoted to deputy chairperson of the SPLM party and is seen as Kiir's chosen successor.
South Sudan's President Kiir reshuffles senior leadership
Tanzania· 2025-05-21Vice-President Benjamin Bol Mel apologized for any inconvenience caused to the United States of America.
African leaders scramble to appease Trump in tariff and deportation disputes
Canada· 2025-04-24
Benjamin Bol Mel is being positioned by President Kiir as his chosen successor, which has caused significant discontent.
South Sudan: What we know about the complex crisisKenya· 2025-04-02
