South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed the country’s Chief of Defence Forces just three months after his appointment and reinstated his predecessor, state-run television reported.
The announcement, aired late Wednesday on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, confirmed that Paul Nang Majok has been reappointed as Chief of Defence Forces, replacing Dau Aturjong. No reason was given for the leadership change. Aturjong has been reassigned as a technical adviser at the Ministry of Defence.
In July, Kiir had removed Majok after seven months in the post, also without explanation, replacing him with Aturjong. That earlier decision followed renewed clashes in the northeast, where government troops were briefly overrun by a militia linked to First Vice President Riek Machar’s Nuer ethnic group.
Machar, Kiir’s longtime rival during South Sudan’s 2013–2018 civil war, was placed under house arrest in March and went on trial last month for treason, murder, and crimes against humanity—charges he denies. His detention has raised fears of renewed conflict, with his supporters accusing the government of breaching the 2018 peace and power-sharing agreement.
President Kiir, 74, has led the world’s youngest nation since its independence from Sudan in 2011. His tenure has been marked by recurring political reshuffles and delayed elections, as he seeks to manage internal divisions and maintain control amid growing tension.
Observers say the frequent turnover in South Sudan’s military and government ranks reflects Kiir’s efforts to consolidate power and balance competing factions. Meanwhile, a recent United Nations report accused the country’s leaders of “systematic looting” of national resources for personal enrichment.
Source:Africa Publicity
