Salva Changes the Guards
Author: Africa Confidential | Africa Confidential
Date: 1 February 2013
In a sudden and sweeping military reshuffle, President Salva Kiir Mayardit retired six deputy chiefs of general staff and 29 major generals by decree on 21 January. The idea is to transform the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) from a guerrilla force into a professional national army and renew the high command. It might also ease some of the government’s internal difficulties. Jok Madut Jok’s Sudd Institute said the move was received with ‘cautious excitement’. However, the sacking of the elected Lakes State Governor, Chol Tong Mayay, may have breached the constitution.
The article was originally posted on the Africa Confidential on February 1, 2013