The reshuffle highlights continuing power shifts within South Sudan’s military and political leadership, as Kiir faces both ongoing conflict and growing speculation over his succession.

Kiir, 74, has led South Sudan since it gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Elections that were initially scheduled have been postponed twice, while Riek Machar, the First Vice President and Kiir’s former rival during the 2013–2018 civil war, was recently charged with treason and brought before the courts.

According to the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, Kiir appointed Paul Nang Majok as the new Chief of Defence Forces, replacing Dau Aturjong. No reason was given for the change.

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In July, Kiir had dismissed Majok after only seven months in office and replaced him with Aturjong  again, without explanation.

That earlier decision followed renewed fighting in the country’s east, where government troops were briefly defeated by rebel forces belonging to the Nuer ethnic group, associated with politician Riek Machar.

The South Sudanese government detained Machar in March, accusing him of supporting those rebels. Last month, his trial began on charges of treason, murder, and crimes against humanity, all of which he has denied.

His arrest has raised fears that the country could slide back into full-scale war, as his supporters accuse the government of violating the 2018 peace and power-sharing agreement.

Analysts say the latest government and security reshuffles by President Kiir are part of efforts to tighten his grip on power.