The decrees, read on the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), included changes across the military and key ministries, marking the latest in a series of frequent shakeups by the president.
Analysts say such reshuffles have weakened state institutions and reflect Kiir’s continued grip on power.
Among the most significant moves, Kiir removed General Dau Aturjong from his post as Chief of Defence Forces of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and reinstated his predecessor, General Paul Ngang Majok.
Gen. Dau, who had held the position for just three months, was reassigned as Technical Advisor in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. His own appointment in July had followed the abrupt sacking of Gen. Ngang, which at the time fueled speculation of internal rivalries within the top ranks of the military.
The two generals have a long and contentious history, stretching back to January 2025 when Gen. Ngang dismissed Dau as commander of the 5th Infantry Division in Western Bahr el Ghazal State in what military insiders described as a “dramatic power play.”
In the government, Kiir appointed former Jonglei State governor and leader of the South Sudan United Movement/Army (SSUM/A), Denay Jock Chagor, as Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, replacing Rizik Zakaria Hassan.
Rizik was transferred to head the Ministry of Transport, taking over from Dr. Lam Akol, who had been appointed to the position in May. Lam is the leader of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) and the secretary-general of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), a consortium of eight political and military organizations and a key signatory of the revitalized peace agreement.
In a surprise move, the South Sudanese head of state also revoked the appointment of Beny Gideon Mabor as Minister of East African Community Affairs just one day after naming him to the position.
Veteran diplomat Pieng Deng Kuol, a former Inspector General of the country’s national police service and an ambassador to the African Union, was appointed in his place. Mabor was named yesterday to replace Deng Alor Kuol who was appointed to the position as part of the revitalized peace agreement.
No reasons were given for the latest reshuffles, which come amid mounting calls for reforms within the transitional government. Political analysts say the moves signal Kiir’s intent to consolidate authority ahead of long-delayed national elections that the government has promise to hold at the end of December 2026.
