South Sudan's President Salva Kiir Mayardit has this evening issued a series of republican decrees relieving and appointing officials in his office and the security sector.

Kiir fired Presidential Affairs Minister Hon. Nhial Deng Nhial, and replaced him with his special envoy Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

He also relieved the Chief of General Staff General Johnson Juma Okot, replacing him with the SSPDF Commander of Ground Forces, General Santino Deng Wol, who was also promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant General.

General Juma has been assigned as grade one ambassador to Belgium.

The president further relieved the Deputy Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, General Malek Reuben Riak, and appointed General Chol Thon Balok in his place.

General Malek has been assigned as grade one ambassador to Eritrea.

The Director-General of Intelligence Bureau General Thomas Duoth has also been relieved and replaced by Major General Simon Yien Makuac. 

General Duoth is assigned as grade one ambassador to Kuwait.

Kiir also promoted the Director of National Security Service Akol Khor Kuc to the rank of First Lieutenant General.