President Kiir announces major government and military shake-up in South Sudan
Under the new decrees, General Dau Aturjong was removed as Chief of Defence Forces of the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF), replaced by his predecessor, General Paul Ngang Majok, who returns to the post.
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit has carried out a major reshuffle of his government and military leadership, announcing the changes on Wednesday evening on state television.
Under the new decrees, General Dau Aturjong was removed as Chief of Defence Forces of the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF), replaced by his predecessor, General Paul Ngang Majok, who returns to the post.
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Dau, who served for just three months, was reassigned as a technical adviser in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
His own appointment in July had followed the abrupt removal of Ngang, fueling speculation of internal power struggles.
The rivalry between Ngang and Dau runs deep, according to Sudans Post.
In January 2025, Ngang dismissed Dau from his role as commander of the 5th Infantry Division in Western Bahr el Ghazal—a decision insiders called a controversial "power play."
On the civilian front, the president also shifted personnel in key ministries. Denay Jock Chagor, former governor of Jonglei State and leader of the South Sudan United Movement/Army (SSUM/A), was appointed Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, replacing Rizik Zakaria Hassan.
Analysts say the frequent reshuffles weaken institutional stability and reflect Kiir's continued effort to consolidate authority.
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