South Sudanese President Salva Kiir made sweeping changes in the country’s security and financial sectors, Radio Tamazuj reported on Monday, citing decrees read on the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation.
In the defense sector, Gen. Santino Deng Wol was relieved as Chief of Defense Forces and reassigned as Undersecretary in the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Gen. Paul Nang Majok was appointed as the new Chief of Defense Forces, while Atak Santino Majak was dismissed from his role as Undersecretary of the Ministry. Similarly, Gen. Atem Marol Biar was removed as the Inspector General of Police, with Gen. Abraham Peter Manyuat taking over the position.
The leadership at the Bank of South Sudan also saw changes, with Garang Alic being relieved of his duties as Governor and Johnny Ohisa Damian reinstated to the position. Additionally, Garang Majak was dismissed as the first undersecretary of the finance ministry, with Arop Nuoi Arop named as his replacement.
These changes come in the wake of previous reshuffles, including the dismissal of Gen. Akol Koor Kuc as the Director General of the Internal Security Bureau in October. His subsequent appointment as Governor of Warrap State was rescinded shortly after his return to Juba.
Tensions escalated following a violent incident at Gen. Koor’s residence on November 21, when security forces clashed during an attempt to relocate him. The gunfight left four people dead and two injured, creating unease among Juba residents. Army spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang attributed the incident to a “misunderstanding” between two security groups guarding Gen. Koor.