South Sudanese rebels appoint top field commanders

January 3, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – South Sudanese leader of the SPLM-In-Opposition, Riek Machar, has appointed senior military commanders in charge of the rebel forces in various parts of the troubled country a year after fighting broke out between government troops loyal to president Salva Kiir.

In a move seen to be in preparation for the next phase, the rebel leader for the first time appointed senior army officers who defected from the government as commanders of army divisions and state forces.

The orders released on Saturday, dated 21 December, Machar appointed Major General James Koang Chuol as commander of Special Division 1.

The recently appointed deputy chief of general staff for moral and orientation, Major General Martin Terento Kenyi, is also appointed commander of Eastern Equatoria Forces.

Major General Thomas Mabor Dhol has become the commander of Phow Division (7) while Major General Peter Dor Monyjur is appointed commander of Bieh Division (8).

The opposition leader has appointed Major General Dau Aturjong as commander of Northern Bhar el Ghazal forces and Major General Salam El-haj Abdallah Baballah as commander of Central Equatoria forces.

Major General Thomas Basilio Tindo Kali takes charge as commander of Western Bahr el Ghazal forces and Major General John Both Teny, commander of the SPLA General Headquarters (GHQs).

Major General Moses Chot Riek is appointed Head of SPLA Military Production Department.

Also Brigadier General James Khor Chuol Giet is appointed as the commander of Latjor Division (5), Brigadier General Maguek Gai Majak, commander of Lich Division (4) and Colonel Wesley Welaba as Commander of Mid-West Equatoria forces.

In the humanitarian wing, Machar also appointed Gatwech Peter Kulang Chuol as Executive Director for Humanitarian Affairs. Kulang was previously a Director General in the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC) in Juba before the war broke out.

(ST)