![South Sudan’s newly appointed minister of defense and veterans’ affairs Gen. Chol Thon Balok stares at camera during swearing in ceremony at J1 on Thursday, March 30, 2023. [Photo by presidency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/338595832_210589764947635_115657503200610426_n.jpg?resize=1057%2C563&ssl=1)
Balok – a highly respected army general from the Ngok Lual Yak section of the Dinka tribe – was appointed in a presidential decree by Kiir on Wednesday evening as the national minister of defense and veterans’ affairs.
He was the deputy minister of defense until yesterday and a former governor for the defunct Central Nile state.
“President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday presided over the swearing in ceremony of General Chol Thon Balok as the new appointed Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs,” the presidency said in a statement issued following the swearing in ceremony on Thursday.
Balok replaces Angelina Teny – wife of opposition leader Riek Machar who was appointed based on a power-sharing arrangement provided for in the revitalized peace deal – who was removed on March 3 by the president.
Yesterday’s decree for appointment of Balok was condemned by the SPLM-IO who accused the president of committing a “subtle violation” of the peace agreement.
“No breakthrough was reached at all meetings between President Salva Kiir & FVP Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon in order to overcome the current deadlock,” Puok Both Baluang, First Vice President Riek Machar’s spokesman said in a statement following Balok’s appointment on Wednesday.
He maintained that yesterday’s “appointment of Hon. Chol Thon as Minister of D&VA, is unilateral and a blatant new violation” to the revitalized peace agreement.
More to follow!
