![Former South Sudan army Chief and leader of South Sudan United Front/A General Paul Malong Awan Anei [Photo via Facebook]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Malong.jpg?ssl=1)
In mid-July, SSUF/A’s then defense secretary Gen. Stephen Philip Dak was put under investigation for criticizing and denouncing the procedures of joining an alliance that was against then looming extension of the transitional period.
The holdout opposition alliance , Non-signatory South Sudan opposition groups (NSSSOG), was formed by prominent opposition leaders including Gen. Malong, Gen. Pagan Amum, and Gen. Thomas Cirilo Swaka to discourage extension of transitional period by parties to the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
A week after investigation, Malong expelled Dak.
“It has been brought to my attention that one General Philip Stephen Dak has engaged in a myriad and countless misconduct in contravention and violation of Articles 7.2 and 7.3 (SSUF/A) Code of Conduct,” Malong said in an order at the time.
“You failed to observe the instructions issued in the letter of your suspension. In light of this gross misconduct, that I, General Paul Malong Awan, Chairman and Commander-in-Chief, duly informed by these facts order the expulsion of General Philip Stephen Dak from the rank and file of the South Sudan United Front/Army according to Article 20.7 of the constitution,” he added.
In a new order on August 30, Malong appointed Peter Piyo Ayii Machar as the new secretary of defense and security of the group.
“In exercise of the power conferred upon me by articles 20.4 & 20.7 of the South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) Constitution 2021 AD., I Gen. Paul Malong Awan Anei, Chairman and C-IN-C do hereby appoint Hon. Peter Piyo Ayii Machar as Secretary for Defense and Security of SSUF/A,” the order extended to Sudans Post reads in part.
“This order shall come into force from the day of its signature by the Chairman and Commander in Chief of South Sudan United Front/Army,” he added.
