The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have announced the reassignment of the commander of the Presidential Guards Unit, the Tiger Division. Gen Lual Wek Guem, also known as Lual Maroldit, has been transferred from his position as commander of the Tiger Division to the General Headquarters in Bilpham. Abraham Gum Makuac is the new commander of the Tiger Division, following a directive from President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Gen Guem was previously promoted to the rank of major general and appointed as the Commander of the Presidential Guards Unit in May 2017. The changes were part of routine operations and not related to any coup plot, according to SSPDF Spokesperson Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang. He emphasized the importance of not relying on social media for information, particularly regarding recent rumors about changes in the command of the Tiger Division.
The reassignments, confirmed by President Kiir and Gen Deng, come amidst speculation about power struggles among South Sudan’s top security officials. This move follows the dismissal of Gen Akol Koor Kuc as the Director General of the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Service (NSS).