South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has appointed General Dau Aturjong Nyuol as the new Chief of Defence Forces. General Aturjong, previously a lieutenant general, was promoted to his new rank on Monday and officially sworn in on Thursday at State House in Juba, taking over from General Paul Nang Majok, who had held the influential position for just seven months.
The change in military command comes at a crucial juncture for the young nation, which has been striving to consolidate peace since the 2018 agreement ended a devastating five-year civil war. General Majok's tenure, though brief, notably oversaw the military during volatile clashes between government forces and the White Army, an ethnic militia largely composed of Nuer youths, which has significantly fueled recent political instability, particularly in the Upper Nile region. His removal, though no official reason was given, aligns with a period of heightened security and political tensions.
President Kiir, who also serves as the armed forces’ commander-in-chief, wasted no time in outlining a formidable mandate for the new Chief of Defence Forces. During the swearing-in ceremony, he specifically directed General Aturjong to implement "sweeping reforms" aimed at transforming the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) into a "professional, modern, and accountable national army." The President's priorities are clear: strengthening the military's internal integrity, ensuring the welfare of soldiers, and bolstering its operational effectiveness.
Key among these directives is the urgent need to remove "ghost names" from military payrolls, a persistent issue that has long plagued the SSPDF, siphoning vital resources and undermining morale. Kiir also stressed the importance of improving soldiers’ welfare, securing adequate food and fuel supplies, and ultimately unifying the army as a truly constitutional force dedicated to serving all the people of South Sudan. Beyond internal reforms, the President also emphasized strengthening military cooperation with regional and international partners, and enhancing overall leadership and discipline within the ranks.
In his inaugural remarks, General Dau Aturjong, a seasoned military officer with a history that includes stints with opposition forces before rejoining the government, pledged unwavering commitment to the Republic of South Sudan. He vowed to lead with integrity, uphold the army’s constitutional duties, protect the people and their property, and fiercely safeguard the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also reiterated his personal commitment to prioritizing the army’s professionalization and ensuring the well-being of its soldiers.
This high-level military shake-up unfolds against a backdrop of simmering political tensions. In March, First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest in Juba, a move that immediately sparked fears of renewed widespread conflict. Information Minister Michael Makuei publicly stated that the measure was due to Machar allegedly inciting supporters to “revolt against the government with the intention of undermining peace, preventing elections, and pushing South Sudan back into war.” While Machar’s party has vehemently denied government claims of supporting the White Army, the allegations underscore the deep-seated mistrust that continues to challenge the nation's fragile unity.
