South Sudan’s Kiir appoints new Defense minister

March 29, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has appointed Gen. Chol Thon Balok as the Defense minister, replacing Angelina Teny.

The decree appointing Thon was announced on the state TV (SSBC) Wednesday.

Teny, a senior member of the armed opposition (SPLM-IO), was fired on March 3, amidst strong opposition from the group led by First Vice President, Riek Machar.

The September 2018 peace deal allocated the Defense ministry to the SPLM-IO.

A meeting earlier called to resolve the political bickering between leaders of the country’s ruling party and the armed opposition faction ended in a deadlock.

The SPLM-IO has not yet officially reacted to the Defense minister’s appointment.

(ST)