By Enyichukwu Enemanna
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has removed the country’s military chief, Dau Aturjong who was appointed barely three months ago, replacing him with his predecessor, Paul Nang Majok.
According to state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, Kiir had late Wednesday appointed Majok as the new Chief of Defence Forces, without providing a reason for the decision.
Aturjong was reassigned to be a technical adviser at the defence ministry.
Three months ago, Kiir relieved Majok of his appointment after seven months in the post and replaced him with Aturjong without offering explanations.
The move comes as South Sudan’s military and government battle to tame armed conflict and speculation within the country on who takes over power from Kiir.
Kiir, 74, has led a transitional government since 2011 when the impoverished nation gained independence from Sudan.
Elections have twice been postponed, allowing Kiir to remain in power as transitional leader. His First Vice President Riek Machar and main rival during a 2013-2018 civil war in which thousands of persons were killed, was charged last month with treason.
The change in military leadership came after renewed fighting in the northeast in which soldiers were overrun by a militia from Nuer ethnic group, same ethnic community with embattled First Vice Machar.
The government placed Machar under house arrest in March, accusing him of supporting the militia. He has since appeared in court where he is being tried for treason, murder and crimes against humanity last month. Machar has denied the allegations.
His detention has raised fears of a return to full-blown civil war, as his supporters accuse the government of violating a 2018 peace and power-sharing agreement.
Analysts say that Kiir’s repeated shake-ups of the government and security apparatus are aimed at consolidating his hold on power and keeping various factions satisfied.
Last month, UN investigators accused South Sudanese leaders of “systematic looting” of the nation’s wealth for their personal gain.
