South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has dismissed the country’s army chief, Paul Nang Majok, after just seven months in the role, replacing him with Dau Aturjong as the new Chief of Defence Forces. The announcement, made late Monday via state radio, did not disclose any reason for the decision.
Majok, who had been appointed in December, led the military during recent clashes involving the national army and the White Army an ethnic Nuer militia fighting that contributed to a surge in political instability across the country.
Military spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang said the dismissal followed a long standing tradition in South Sudan where changes in military appointments are made without explanation. “It is normal,” he stated.
South Sudan has officially been at peace since a 2018 agreement ended a devastating five-year civil war. However, intercommunal violence and political unrest remain common. Tensions heightened in March when First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest for allegedly inciting rebellion among his supporters.
Information Minister Michael Makuei defended the move, accusing Machar of attempting to disrupt national stability and delay elections, warning of a potential slide back into war.
