JUBA, South Sudan (Running Africa) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has dismissed Central Bank Governor Johnny Ohisa, replacing him with former governor Addis Ababa Othow in the latest high-profile shake-up within the country’s government.

The decision was announced late Wednesday through a presidential decree broadcast on state television. No official reason was given for Ohisa’s removal.

The leadership change comes amid a wave of cabinet reshuffles and senior government dismissals ordered by Kiir in recent months, fueling speculation over political realignment and succession planning in the world’s youngest nation.

Political analysts say the repeated changes within key state institutions could signal efforts by the president to strengthen his grip on power as South Sudan navigates growing political and economic uncertainty.

Ohisa, a veteran economist, had only been reappointed as governor of the Bank of South Sudan earlier this year after previously serving multiple terms in the role.

The central bank leadership change comes at a critical time for South Sudan’s economy, which continues to battle declining oil revenues, persistent cash shortages, soaring inflation and the rapid depreciation of the South Sudanese pound.

Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has remained heavily reliant on crude oil exports, with petroleum accounting for the vast majority of government revenue. Disruptions to oil production, coupled with fiscal pressures and regional instability, have intensified the country’s economic challenges, placing increasing pressure on policymakers to stabilize the financial sector.

The appointment of Addis Ababa Othow will be closely watched by investors, development partners and financial markets as the government seeks to restore confidence in the banking system and address mounting economic headwinds.