SOUTH SUDAN: Kiir Dismisses Aturjong, Reinstates Nang As Army Chief

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

In a significant shakeup within the military leadership, President Salva Kiir has removed Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol from his position as Chief of Defence Forces, a role he held for just three months. In his place, Gen. Paul Nang Majok has been reinstated, as reported by the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC).

The presidential decree announcing these changes did not provide specific reasons for the alterations in the country’s top security leadership. Gen. Aturjong was appointed to lead the armed forces on July 10, with a mandate aimed at reforming the military, which included addressing issues such as eliminating “ghost names” from payrolls, unifying various factions, and enhancing troops’ living conditions. He was also expected to deepen cooperation with regional allies and ensure that essential supplies like food and fuel were delivered promptly to soldiers.

Following his dismissal, Gen. Aturjong has been reassigned as a technical advisor within the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs.

In concurrent government reshuffles, President Kiir has dismissed several cabinet ministers. Notable among those removed is Dr Lam Akol Ajawin, who served as the Minister of Transport for a brief five months. Akol, a prominent opposition figure and leading member of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), had been instrumental in pushing for reforms in the transport sector and overseeing national airspace management.

The transport ministry has now been taken over by Rizik Zakaria Hassan, who previously held the position of Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism. Meanwhile, Denay Jock Chagor, a former governor of Jonglei State and also an SSOA member, steps in to handle the wildlife portfolio.

Additionally, Kiir has revoked the appointment of Beny Gideon Mabor as Minister of East African Community Affairs, a position he held for a mere two days, and replaced him with Gen. Pieng Deng Kuol, who was formerly the Inspector General of Police.