Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol was sworn in Thursday as South Sudan’s new Chief of Defence Forces during a ceremony at State House in Juba, attended by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, who also serves as the armed forces’ commander in chief.
Dau, previously a lieutenant general, was promoted to the rank of general on Monday. His appointment follows Kiir’s dismissal of Gen. Paul Nang Majok, who had held the position for seven months.
Majok oversaw the military during clashes between government forces and the White Army, an ethnic militia largely composed of Nuer youths, which has fueled recent political instability.
Speaking at the swearing-in, Kiir directed Dau to implement “sweeping reforms” to transform the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) into a “professional, modern, and accountable national army.” He stressed the need to remove “ghost names” from military payrolls and improve soldiers’ welfare.
“This is a position of great responsibility, and I trust in your ability to serve with loyalty, discipline, and vision,” Kiir told Dau.
The president outlined key priorities, including ensuring funds reach active personnel, securing food and fuel supplies, unifying the army as a constitutional force serving the people, strengthening military cooperation with regional and international partners, and improving leadership and discipline.
In his remarks, Dau pledged to lead with integrity and uphold the army’s constitutional duties.
“I pledge to serve this Republic of South Sudan with unwavering commitment, fulfilling my constitutional mandate, protecting the people and their property, and upholding the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of South Sudan,” he said.
He also vowed to prioritize the army’s professionalization and soldiers’ well-being.
South Sudan has been officially at peace since a 2018 agreement ended a five-year civil war that killed hundreds of thousands. However, sporadic violence persists, including clashes between rival communities.
In March, First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest in Juba, sparking fears of renewed conflict.
Information Minister Michael Makuei said the move was due to Machar allegedly inciting supporters to “revolt against the government with the intention of undermining peace, preventing elections, and pushing South Sudan back into war.”
Machar’s party has denied government claims that it supports the White Army, which recently fought the military in the Upper Nile region.