Tuesday, 15 Sep 2026 {HMC} Appointed to the position on September 8, Major General Atem Salva Kiir formally assumed command of the elite unit on September 11.
The presidential guard, known as the Tiger Division of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), is responsible for protecting the president and other senior government officials.
Upon taking charge, Major General Atem received operational briefings from unit commanders on the division’s key needs. The new presidential guard chief also vowed to strengthen discipline within the unit.
“As I assume this responsibility, I remain committed to professionalism, unity, and service to our country,” Major General Atem said.
The 36-year-old officer was recently promoted to major general from brigadier general.
Before this appointment, he served as commander of the Special Force within the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Service (NSS). Atem first joined the military in 2012.
President Kiir’s three other children also hold positions in government. His sons, Thiik Kiir Mayardit and Mayar Kiir Mayardit, serve as diplomats in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while his daughter, Adut Salva Kiir, is South Sudan’s senior presidential envoy for special programmes.
