South Sudan President and Commander-in-Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Monday evening issued a republican decree promoting four senior generals in the army to the rank of Lieutenant-General.

According to the decree broadcast on the state television on Monday evening, President Kiir promoted the four generals from the rank of Major General to Lieutenant General. 

The four are Major Generals Arnes Dut Wol Opiyo, Taib Galwak Tai Tai, Thik Achiek Hol, and Rabi Majong Emmanuel. 

President Kiir over the weekend made changes in the army and relieved the Chief of General Staff General Johnson Juma Okot, replacing him with the SSPDF Commander of Ground Forces, General Santino Deng Wol, who was also promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant General.

General Juma has been assigned as grade one ambassador to Belgium.

The president further relieved the Deputy Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, General Malek Reuben Riak, and appointed General Chol Thon Balok in his place.