South Sudan’s Sudden Military Shake-Up: President Kiir Dismisses Army Chief Amid Rising Tensions

In a surprise move that has stirred fresh speculation in Juba and beyond, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has removed his Chief of Defence Forces, General Paul Nang Majok, just seven months after his appointment. The announcement came late evening of 7 July through a presidential decree, with no official explanation offered.

His replacement, General Dau Aturjong Nyuol, is a seasoned military figure known for his experience in both government and opposition ranks. The abrupt change comes at a time of mounting instability, particularly in the Upper Nile region, and may reflect deeper shifts in the balance of power within the military and the presidency.

A Leadership Change Loaded with Symbolism

General Majok’s brief tenure was marked by an escalation in armed clashes in the northern provinces, including controversial air operations that drew domestic and international concern. His removal, coming so soon after a series of military confrontations and internal political manoeuvres, raises questions about internal trust, operational performance, and loyalty within the armed forces.

By appointing General Aturjong—a former SPLA-IO commander with longstanding battlefield credentials—President Kiir may be seeking to recalibrate military leadership ahead of what many fears could be another cycle of instability.

A Country on Edge

South Sudan is in a delicate phase of its post-conflict transition. While a power-sharing agreement remains nominally in place, violence has resurged in parts of the country, displacing tens of thousands and straining already fragile political relationships.

Recent months have seen rising tensions between government forces and armed community-based militias, including the Nuer White Army. Skirmishes have led to heavy casualties, civilian displacement, and growing fears of renewed ethnic polarization. In parallel, relations between President Kiir and other senior political figures—including the First Vice President—have become increasingly strained.

Against this backdrop, any military reshuffle is not merely a personnel change. It reflects strategic positioning, factional influence, and the looming spectre of a political realignment—possibly even ahead of upcoming elections or security sector reforms.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Calculations

The new army chief inherits an institution grappling with low morale, logistical weaknesses, and a fragmented command structure. His appointment may bring fresh energy, but it also places him at the centre of a volatile national landscape, where expectations are high and the room for missteps is narrow.

For now, the military's top brass has remained publicly silent, and the president’s office has offered no rationale for the move. However, it is clear that South Sudan’s leadership is recalibrating—perhaps in preparation for tougher days ahead.

Strategic Insight from ASA

At African Security Analysis (ASA), we understand the implications of such shifts for business continuity, humanitarian operations, and regional stability. Leadership changes in fragile states often serve as early indicators of broader political or security realignments.

To support our partners operating in South Sudan and across East Africa, ASA offers:

• Tailored threat monitoring and early warning alerts on leadership transitions, militia mobilizations, and civil unrest
• On-the-ground military and political assessments, helping firms understand evolving power dynamics
• Custom risk analysis and scenario planning for logistics corridors, project sites, and strategic investments
• Stakeholder mapping to identify key influencers and mitigate reputational or operational exposure

With our local presence and embedded intelligence network, ASA ensures that mining companies, infrastructure projects, NGOs, and multinationals can operate with clarity, foresight, and confidence—even in the most complex environments.

In South Sudan, as in all volatile regions, preparedness is not optional—it’s essential.

If your organization needs to understand what’s really happening behind the headlines—or plans to operate in or around South Sudan—ASA is your trusted partner for clarity, foresight, and actionable intelligence.

Let ASA help you stay one step ahead.