Addis Ababa: South Sudan President Salva Kiir has appointed his son, Maj. Gen. Atem Salva Kiir, as commander of the elite Tiger Division, the country’s presidential guard.
Atem, 36, said he would work closely with the division’s commanders and troops, while addressing their concerns and creating a conducive working environment. The division is primarily responsible for protecting the president and other senior government officials.
Atem previously served as commander of a special forces unit within the National Security Service. He joined the military in 2012 and has held various positions since then. He was promoted from brigadier general to major general last week.
Atem is the second member of the Kiir family to hold a senior government position. His sister, Adut Salva Kiir, was appointed Senior Presidential Envoy for Special Programmes in August 2025.
With South Sudan scheduled to hold elections in December, Atem’s appointment has raised questions among political elites and commentators over the timing and implications of placing the president’s son at the head of the country’s elite presidential guard.
