![South Sudan First Vice President, Chairman and Commander in Chief of SPLM, SPLA-IO, Dr. Riek Machar Teny greeting his generals in Pagak in 2015 [Photo via Facebook]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/fvp_riek_machar_arrives_in_his_general_headquarters_pagak._he_was_received_by_spla-io_s_cheif_of_general_staff_1st_lt._gen._simon_gatwech_dual_12_april_2016_-a280a.jpg?ssl=1)
JUBA – The military chief of staff of the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM/SPLA-IO) General Gatwech Dual is no long in his position after his appointment as a presidential advisor for peace, according to Machar’s office.
This comes days after President Salva Kiir Mayardit appointed General Gatwech Dual as a presidential advisor on peace.
The appointment also sparked some speculations on social media that Machar has relieved General Gatwech Dual as chief of staff following his appointment as a presidential peace advisor.
Yesterday, opposition political and military officials denied that reports that General Gatwech has been dismissed as chief of staff.
However, speaking to Sudans Post this evening, Puok Both Baluang, the SPLM-IO Director of Information and Public Relations said General Gatwech Dual was relived on June 22 by Dr. Riek Machar following his appointment as a presidential advisor.
“I would like to confirm that General Gatwech Dual was relieved by the chairman and commander in chief of the SPLM/SPLA (IO) effective 22nd June 2021.,” he said, adding that the information is “based on a circular sent to all units of the SPLA-IO on June 21, 2021 by the Chairman and Commander in chief of the SPLA-IO.”
“The chairman and commander in chief is thanking General Simon Gatwech Dual for his role as chief of general staff and is wishing him all the best in his new role as a presidential advisor for peace,” he added.
