SOUTH SUDAN: Gen. Koang Sworn In As Upper Nile Governor Amid Rising Tensions

By Debora Akur Chol, South Sudan

 

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has officially sworn in General James Koang Chuol as the new governor of Upper Nile State, tasking him with ending the ongoing hostilities and restoring peace to the troubled region.

The ceremony, held in Juba on Thursday, saw President Kiir urging Gen. Koang to prioritize reconciliation and unity among the state’s divided communities.

He called on citizens to reject cycles of vengeance and work toward the collective good of the country.

“James Koang Chol is no stranger to us. He began his military career with the Jamus battalion and later rose to become an officer. I am confident that he will bring peace to the area of Nasir, as he is a man of peace,” Kiir said, adding: “However, we do not want revenge killings by citizens in Nasir. We must move past this.”

The swearing-in was attended by senior government officials and military leaders, including Defense Minister Gen. Chol Thon Balok and army chief Gen. Paul Nang, who expressed confidence in Gen. Koang’s ability to navigate the complex challenges facing the state.

Defense Minister Gen. Chol Thon welcomed the appointment, noting, “Gen. Koang is a capable and dedicated officer. My advice to you, Gen. Koang, is to prioritize security and ensure the protection of the border. There are numerous issues happening at the border that require immediate attention.”

A senior general in the Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), Gen. Koang pledged to foster dialogue and peaceful coexistence, especially in his hometown of Nasir, which has recently been a hotspot for violence.

However, the appointment has sparked concerns regarding the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement.

According to the terms of the deal, the position of Upper Nile governor was to be filled by a nominee from the party of First Vice President Riek Machar. Instead, President Kiir issued a decree late on Wednesday replacing Gen. James Odhok Oyai who was appointed in January 2023 as part of the power-sharing agreement with Gen. Koang, a member of Kiir’s own party.

This move has fueled concerns over rising tensions between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, with fears growing that it could lead the country back into civil war.

The peace deal between the two leaders has already been marred by delays in its implementation, along with sporadic outbreaks of violence.

In recent weeks, Upper Nile has witnessed heightened military activity, with the SSPDF, supported by Ugandan troops, launching airstrikes to retake Nasir from the White Army, a militia associated with Machar.

The White Army took control of the town on March 4 after intense clashes with government forces.

The ongoing violence has displaced thousands of civilians, further exacerbating the region’s already dire humanitarian situation, including severe food insecurity and limited access to essential services.