Civil Society Welcomes General Paul Nang Majok’s Dismissal

(JUBA) – 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 announcement was made on Monday 7 July 2025, via the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), the state owned media. No official explanation was provided for the dismissal, although it followed the President’s return from the United Arab Emirates and comes following mounting political and military tension.

General Dau Aturjong is a veteran commander with a complex career, having served in both government and opposition forces. He previously led the SSPDF’s Third Infantry Division in the Greater Bahr el Ghazal region and was a prominent figure in the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), the group headed by First Vice President Riek Machar. In 2014, during the peak of the civil conflict, he defected from government forces to join SPLA-IO.

After the 2015 peace agreement, which later collapsed, Aturjong rejoined the government’s military structure. He went on to command the Sixth Infantry Division, then the Eighth Infantry Division in Jonglei, and eventually returned to lead the Third Division. His promotion from lieutenant general to full general was confirmed shortly before his appointment as army chief.

General Aturjong also has a political background. He contested the 2010 gubernatorial elections in Northern Bahr el Ghazal as an independent candidate, but lost to General Paul Malong Awan. Following the loss, he returned to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).

The decision to sack General Nang comes during a period of political uncertainty. In March, President Kiir placed First Vice President Riek Machar under house arrest, escalating tensions within the transitional government. Under Nang’s leadership, the army launched increased operations in Upper Nile, including aerial strikes in civilian populated areas. These actions prompted condemnation from international human rights organisations and triggered widespread concern over civilian protection.

Civil society leaders have welcomed the dismissal. Ter Manyang Gatwech, an activist, said the removal of General Nang was anticipated due to his alleged involvement in abuses during military operations.

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

Gatwech further urged South Sudan’s newly reorganised judiciary to restore public trust by holding individuals accountable.

“The chief justice must act, so anyone who has done wrong is held to account,” he added.

President Kiir also made other notable leadership changes. 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 role in January 2025, was reinstated.

In a separate decree, Michael Lopuke Lotyam was appointed as chairman of the South Sudan Civil Aviation Authority, and Evans Kenyi Solomon was named a technical adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture.

The reshuffles come at a critical time as South Sudan prepares for national elections in 2026, which remain clouded by delays in peace implementation and disunity among political factions.

Summary of the Appointments and Dismissals Announced in July 2025