Juba, South Sudan: As South Sudan rapidly approaches its historic, long-delayed general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026, reports emerging from the presidential palace (J1) indicate growing tensions between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his long-serving Presidential Advisor on National Security Affairs, Hon. Tut Gatluak Manime. Insiders suggest that a major structural shakeup within the top national security apparatus is imminent, potentially echoing the dramatic events of January 2025 when Gatluak was briefly removed from office before his subsequent reappointment.
Key Operational and Political Vulnerabilities
Financial Allegations and Peace Agreement Funds: Hon. Tut Gatluak has faced continuous public and internal scrutiny regarding the management of funds earmarked for the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
Critics and political factions within Juba have raised questions about transparency regarding resources designated for transitional security arrangements.
Security Apparatus Realignment: Following the historical removal of long-time Internal Security Bureau (ISB) chief Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, President Kiir’s inner circle has consistently sought to sweep out older power bases to establish total loyalty ahead of the December vote. Tut Gatluak’s deep institutional links with former security chiefs keep him under close surveillance by rival political factions.
Electoral Urgency and Caretaker Adjustments: With the National Elections Commission setting up voter registration processes under compressed timelines, President Salva Kiir requires absolute administrative execution. Any perceived diplomatic or strategic friction—such as the recent regional dynamics involving border negotiations with Khartoum—adds leverage to those pushing for Gatluak’s second reassignment.
Conclusion and Institutional Context
While Hon. Tut Gatluak remains an incredibly capable political mediator who has successfully led high-level delegations to Qatar, Kenya, and Egypt throughout 2026, his political survival remains heavily contingent on navigating the hyper-volatile inner circle of J1.
In the high-stakes climate leading up to the nation’s first independent election cycle, administrative tenure is highly precarious.
Other sources alleged that the caretaker guvnor of Upper Nile and Tut Gatluak are involved in high level political and electoral fraud and deal cutting that has completely damaged their reputation
While doing all this , they undermine the trust the President Salva Kiir has bestowed on them , thinking they are smarter. “It will not take more than three weeks before they are arrested and removed, a sources alleges.
