By Matik Kueth
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has dismissed Paul Nang Majok, the Chief of Defense Force (CDF) of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), and appointed Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol as his replacement.
The decrees read out on the state-owned broadcaster, the SSBC, showed the exit of the SSPDF chief, who had served for eight months.
Though no official explanation was provided for Gen. Nang’s dismissal, speculation was widespread about his potential removal following President Kiir’s recent trip to the United Arab Emirates.
Nang had drawn criticism from rights activists over alleged hate speech and aerial attacks targeting civilians in Upper Nile State.
Gen. Aturjong brings decades of military experience to his new role, having served as a former commander in both the national army and the opposition SPLA-IO under Dr. Riek Machar.
He has led multiple divisions across key regions, including Jonglei and Bahr al Ghazal.
His career includes a short political run in 2010 when he unsuccessfully sought the governorship of Northern Bahr El Ghazal as an independent, then rejoined the ruling SPLM party.
He was recently promoted from lieutenant-general to full general before taking on this new top military position.
The reshuffle occurs amid increasing political and security instability in South Sudan, especially after Kiir placed his former rival and First Vice President Riek Machar under house arrest in March.
The president’s latest move signals a potential shift in military strategy as tensions simmer across the country.