Salva Kiir promotes senior officers amid renewed tensions in South Sudan
Riek Machar has been under house arrest since security forces stormed his residence in March.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has promoted several senior officers in the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the National Security Service (NSS), even as political tensions rise following the suspension of First Vice-President Riek Machar.
According to the Presidency, "President Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Commander-in-Chief of all organised forces, on Monday presided over the promotion of several senior officers in the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the National Security Service (NSS)".
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Among those elevated was Vice-President Dr Benjamin Bol Mel, who was promoted from Lieutenant General to full General in the NSS.
Also promoted were National Security Minister Mamur Obote Mete and Presidential Advisor on National Security Affairs Madut Dut Yel, both rising from Lieutenant General to full General.
The promotions, announced at a ceremony at the President's office and attended by Defence Minister Chol Thon Balok, come at a delicate moment.
The political atmosphere in Juba remains tense after Kiir suspended and detained his deputy, Machar, over treason charges.
Machar has been under house arrest since security forces stormed his residence in March.
His detention reignited skirmishes across the country between SPLM-IO loyalists and government troops, raising fears of a wider return to war.
For Kiir, the suspension is both tactical and risky. It sidelines his most potent rival, but also threatens to unravel the delicate power-sharing formula that has held since 2018.
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