South Sudan's President has dismissed Vice President Benjamin Bol, who had been considered a prospective successor, without explanation after growing concerns about renewed violence in the country. President Salva Kiir's decision to remove Bol was announced in a decree on state television on Wednesday night. Calls to Bol's spokesperson were unanswered. Bol was a close business associate of Kiir and had been sanctioned by the US for corruption. His dismissal is expected to reignite tension in the Capital, Juba. There had been speculation of tension in the ruling party after the number of Bol's bodyguards was reduced, but his office dismissed it as “unfounded rumors.” Bol was also removed as first deputy chairman of the ruling party, a position he received in May, which had demonstrated his growing influence.
