South Sudan President Salva Kiir sacks Vice-President Bol Mel

Bol Mel, who is sanctioned by the US for alleged corruption, had been tipped as Kiir's successor.

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Kiir stripped Bol Mel of his military rank of general and dismissed him from the national security service. He also sacked the central bank governor and the head of the revenue authority, both considered close allies of Bol Mel.

No explanation was given for the dismissals, which were announced in a decree broadcast on state television.

It comes when there are growing fears of political instability and a possible return to civil war, after the recent collapse of a fragile power-sharing agreement between Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar.

Bol Mel, 47, was only appointed vice-president in February, replacing James Wani Igga, a veteran politician and general.