South Sudan President Kiir replaces foreign minister amid US visa dispute

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has dismissed Foreign Minister Ramadan Mohamed, replacing him with Deputy Minister Monday Simaya Kumba amid growing tensions with the United States. The dismissal follows a diplomatic dispute over the U.S. deportation of a Congolese man that South Sudan initially refused to accept, leading to threats of a blanket visa ban on South Sudanese citizens. Kiir's decision is perceived as an effort to consolidate power, especially with the recent replacement of First Vice President Riek Machar by Stephen Par Kuol, which has drawn criticism from opposition party members. Machar remains under house arrest, raising concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement aimed at ending civil strife. Meanwhile, African Union mediators are in Juba attempting to address the ongoing political crisis without immediate success. The situation reflects both external diplomatic challenges and internal political instability within the South Sudanese government.