By Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir has directed the newly appointed Presidential Advisor on National Security Affairs and the Director General of the General Intelligence Bureau to focus on the challenges facing the nation.
Kiir made the remarks on Monday while presiding over the oath-taking ceremony of Madut Dut Yel, the Presidential Advisor on National Security Affairs, and Gen. Thoi Chany Reat, Director General of the General Intelligence Bureau of the National Security Service.
Kiir urged the two top security officials to work as a team in responding to the challenging security situation in the country.
“Let’s focus on addressing the challenges facing our nation,” he said in a statement.
President Kiir called on all South Sudanese to unite in confronting the country’s current difficulties.
President Kiir urged the new officials to display dedication and commitment to the service of the nation.
He reiterated that nation-building required concerted efforts from the citizens and urged them to focus on reconciliation.
The President directed the newly appointed security officials to cooperate with their colleagues in other institutions in an effort to realize a peaceful and cohesive society.
Earlier this month, President Salva Kiir Mayardit, in a series of decrees read on state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC), sacked Gen. Simon Yein Makuach, Director General of the External Security Bureau of the National Security Services. The president also relieved Lt. Gen. Thoi Chany as presidential advisor for security affairs.
Subsequently, the president promoted Lt. Gen. Thoi Chany to the rank of General and appointed him as Director General of the External Security Bureau (ESB) in the National Security Service.
Meanwhile, Gen. Madut Dut Yel was appointed to replace Gen. Thoi Chany as presidential advisor for security affairs.
President Kiir’s remarks came at a time the country is facing significant security challenges, highlighted by a recent report confirming that over 400 South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) officers were killed in clashes with the White Army militia since intense fighting erupted in early March 2025 in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
The Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Martin Elia Lomuro, told journalists that the soldiers were killed when the White Army attacked and overran Nasir barracks.
“On 4 March 2025, the White Army launched a brutal attack, resulting in the deaths of over 400 SSPDF personnel, including their commander Maj. Gen David Majur Dak. This tragic incident triggered a political crisis and posed a serious threat to the implementation of the peace agreement,” Lomuro said during a press conference in Juba.