Civil Society Welcomes Sacking of General Paul Nang Majok as Army Chief

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has removed General Paul Nang Majok from his position as Chief of Defence Forces and appointed General Dau Aturjong Nyuol as the new head of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

The decision was announced on Monday through the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), the state owned media outlet. No official reason was provided for the dismissal, though it had been widely anticipated following President Kiir’s recent return from the United Arab Emirates.

General Dau Aturjong Nyuol is a senior military figure with a long history of service in both the government army and the opposition forces. He previously led the army’s third infantry division in the greater Bahr el Ghazal region and was formerly aligned with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by Riek Machar. In 2014, Aturjong left the government forces to join SPLA-IO during a period of intense national conflict.

Following the 2015 peace agreement which later fell apart, Aturjong rejoined the SPLA and held key leadership roles. He commanded the sixth division, later the eighth infantry division in Jonglei, and eventually returned to head the third infantry division. His promotion from lieutenant general to full general was confirmed ahead of his appointment as the new army chief.

Aturjong’s political history includes an unsuccessful independent run for governor of Northern Bahr el Ghazal during the April 2010 elections. After losing to then-Governor Gen. Paul Malong Awan, he rejoined the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

The leadership change comes amid growing political and security tensions. In March, President Kiir placed First Vice President Riek Machar under house arrest, further straining relations within the fragile transitional government. Under the command of Gen. Nang, the army intensified military operations in the Upper Nile region, including reported airstrikes in civilian areas. These actions drew criticism from international human rights groups and sparked accusations of violations against civilians.

Ter Manyang Gatwech, a civil society activist, said that Nang’s removal had been expected. He alleged that the former defence chief committed abuses during his time in office.

“The sacking of the chief of defence is not a surprise to us, especially civil society organisations,” Manyang said. “He is going to be held responsible under international law for violations in Greater Upper Nile.”

He called on South Sudan’s recently restructured judiciary to restore public confidence by ensuring accountability for those responsible for abuses. “With recent changes in the judiciary, the chief justice should try to restore trust, so anyone who has done wrong is held accountable,” he added.

President Kiir also made other leadership changes in separate decrees. Peter Guzulu Maze was removed as chief administrator of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. His predecessor, Gola Boyoi Gola, who had been dismissed from the same post in January, was reappointed.

Additionally, Michael Lopuke Lotyam was named as the new chairman of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority. Evans Kenyi Solomon was appointed as a technical adviser to the Ministry of Agriculture.

The latest reshuffles come at a time when South Sudan continues to face challenges in governance, peace implementation and security, with uncertainty surrounding the planned 2026 elections and the fragile unity of the transitional government.

Key Appointments and Dismissals (July 2025)