Is Kiir’s recent changes about the citizens or to further strengthen Kiir’s position in the transitional gov’t?

It is very important to pay a little attention to the recent changes made by Kiir through a decree he issued. Many have been providing an in-depth analysis of the current political situation in the country. And some of which is worth paying attention to as a patriotic citizen of South Sudan.

But in all, is the changes about the implementation of the peace deal or about the appetite of Kiir to always be in control. For instance, in an Eye Radio publication recently, a prominent activist has cast doubts over how much the new officials appointed by the president will offer towards restoring peace amidst insecurity challenges across the country.

He broached the fact that the Kiir administration doesn’t have a clear objective about the changes and that until the reason for the changes is clearly defined, there might be no effect on the political outlook of the country.

It will be recalled that Kiir dismissed Nhial Deng Nhial as Minister of Presidential Affairs and appointed Dr. Barnaba Marial as the replacement. According to an analyst, Kiir is now in control as one of his closest associates is out of the picture. So, what happen to the aspiration of South Sudanese? This changes suppose to translate to better governance to the people.

But looking at the appiontments, one can know vividly that it is all about Kiir, observing the appiontment of the SSPDF Deputy Chief of Defense Forces for Administration and Finance, Lieutenant General Santino Deng Wol as the new Chief of Defense Forces. Santino has also been promoted to the rank of General. He is now the third most powerful military leader in South Sudan after the Commander-in-Chief and the Minister of Defense, Angelina Teny.

But who is Deng Wol? Why will Kiir appoint an individual that has been sanctioned by the UN? The answer is not far fetched really. Santino Deng Wol (Deng Wol) is a Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) Major General and commander of the SPLA’s Third Division, a South Sudanese military entity that has engaged in actions that have extended the conflict in South Sudan, including breaches of the January 2014 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) and the May 9, 2014 Agreement to Resolve the Crisis in South Sudan (May Agreement), which was a re-commitment to the CoHA.

He was sanctioned for actions or policies that have the purpose or effect of expanding or extending the conflict in South Sudan or obstructing reconciliation or peace talks or processes, including breaches of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement

So, it is absolutely clear that the appointment of new generals is a clear warning for further deadly political games not really about the ordinary south Sudanese.

Considering the UN-sanctioned Deng Wol and the deadly Akol now on board, and with the kind of relationship they both have with their long-time boss, it is notable that Kiir’s position in the government is more strengthen.

Kiir also relieved General Johnson Juma Okot and assigned him as grade one Ambassador to Belgium.