South Sudanese army on Monday defended the promotion of some officials to senior ranks in the military, citing their qualifications.

Last week, Commander-in-Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), President Salva Kiir promoted five senior government officials to the rank of Lieutenant General, the second highest army rank in South Sudan.

The promoted officials include presidential adviser on security affairs Tut Gatluak, energy minister Dhieu Mathok, deputy foreign minister Deng Dau, Lol governor Rizik Zachariah, and Northern Liech governor Nguen Monytuil.

The promotion has triggered debate on social media. Critics say the appointments are aimed at cementing President Kiir’s control over the military as peace partners implement security sector reforms under the peace agreement.

 “The president has the prerogative to promote those whom he deems fit to serve in this capacity, and nobody can question presidential powers stipulated in the country’s constitution,” Lul Ruai Koang, South Sudan’s military spokesman, told Radio Tamazuj.

“The president has promoted only five officers, so the other names being circulated on social media are fabricated. For example, someone like Kur Ajiing was promoted since last year,” he added.

The rival parties have twice failed to form the unity government, first in May 2019 and then in November the same year, when they agreed to give themselves100 days to resolve disputed issues and form a unity government by 22 February 2020.

Under the terms of the 2018 peace deal, the parties are to create a unified army to reduce the chances of fighting again.