South Sudan opposition leader promotes senior army commanders
September 25, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudan’s first vice-president designate, Riek Machar, who is the chairman and commander-in-chief of the armed opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO), has promoted senior army generals who will command a separate army during a period of transition.
“Pursuant to resolutions of Nasir consultative conference, I, Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of SPLM/SPLA do hereby promote Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual to the rank of 1st Lt. General with effect from the 21st December 2014,” reads the order signed by the opposition leader, Machar.
Machar also promoted a number of Major Generals to the rank of Lieutenant General, and they include James Yich Biet, Moses Chot Rik, Elias Jada Laku, Dau Aturjong Nyuol, Peter Dor Monjur, John Both Teny, Saddam Chayout Manyang Wuor, James Koang Chuol Ranley and Johnson Olony Thabo.
In the orders he also promoted from the rank of Brigadier General to the rank of Major General Ruai Kuol Jal, Magwek Gai Majak, Michael Ciengjiek, Daniel Koang Chuol Goach, Dang Yiei Thanypiny, Peter Thuok Chuol Luak and Martin Kenyi Terensio.
The opposition leader also confirmed in the rank of Major General Koang Gatkuoth Kerjok, Thomas Bazilio Tindo Kali, Khamis Abdel Latif Chauwel Chol and Wesley Welebe Samson.
Machar will maintain a separate army command for at least one and half years in accordance with the peace agreement in signed with president Salva Kiir in August to end the 21-month long civil war.
Processes of transformation and unification of the two armies of the government and the opposition will commence during the transitional period.
(ST)