SOUTH SUDAN: Kiir Reshuffles Intelligence And Security Leadership

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

In a significant shake-up within South Sudan’s security apparatus, President Salva Kiir has dismissed the head of the General Intelligence Bureau (GIB) and replaced his presidential security advisor, according to reports from state media on Wednesday.

Lieutenant General Simon Yien Makuac, who has been at the helm of the GIB since April 2021, was removed from his position without any official explanation. He will be succeeded by General Thoi Chany Reat, who previously served as Kiir’s advisor on national security affairs.

General Thoi hails from Ayod County in Jonglei State, similar to his predecessor, General Yien, who is originally from Uror County in the same region.

These personnel changes were reported by the state-run South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) and took effect immediately.

The GIB plays a crucial role within the National Security Service (NSS), focusing on the collection and analysis of intelligence related to external security threats. The position of director general is considered one of the most influential within South Sudan’s security framework.

Since October of last year, President Kiir has increasingly focused on restructuring intelligence leadership, marking a departure from previous reshuffles that primarily targeted cabinet ministers and armed forces officials.

General Yien, who did not receive a new appointment following his dismissal, previously held the role of deputy commander for finance and administration in the Tiger Division before his appointment in 2021.

In a related announcement, Kiir appointed General Madut Dut Yel as his new presidential advisor on national security, replacing General Thoi just three months after his appointment.

General Madut, a seasoned intelligence officer from Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, has a history of service in military intelligence during South Sudan’s struggle for independence. Prior to his current appointment, he served as South Sudan’s defense attaché in Egypt and held the position of deputy governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State until he was removed by the former governor, General Paul Malong, in 2013.

Additionally, President Kiir replaced Kawaja Kau Madol as undersecretary of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, appointing Achir John Manyuot, though no reason for this change was provided.