James Hoth Mai's New Role

Date: June 1st, 2009

SPLA Press Release – For immediate release


Lt. Gen Hoth Mai is the New SPLA Chief of General Staff





General Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Government of Southern Sudan and Commander-in-Chief of the SPLA has promoted Major General James Hoth Mai to the rank of Lt. General and appointed him the SPLA Chief of General Staff. After the announcement of the appointment General Salva Kiir Mayardit congratulated General Hoth and wishes him the best as he undertakes his new role.

General Salva Kiir Mayardit told the newly appointed Chief of General Staff that despite many achievements there are still many milestones facing the SPLA that need to be overcome. He said that the prime areas of concern include lack of discipline among the forces, desertion within the units and delay of salaries.

General Kiir urged all the SPLA officers and other ranks to cooperate and support Lt General Mai in order to overcome the remaining problems.

Lt General Hoth Mai thanked the President and C-In-C for the trust and confidence he has in him and accepted the assignment. General Hoth assured the President that the SPLA forces and the people of New Sudan that he, together with his colleagues in the armed forces, will do their best to protect peace and unity.

The President was accompanied by GoSS Minister of cabinet affairs, Dr. Luka Biong Deng. In attendance too was Maj Gen Biar Atem Ajang, the deputy Chief of Staff for Training and other SPLA senior officers.

It is worth mentioning that the recent changes in the GoSS had also affected the SPLA of which former Chief of General Lt. General Oyay Deng Ajak has been appointed as the Minister of Regional Cooperation. Maj Gen Salva Mathok Gengdit and Maj Gen Bior Ajang Duot are awaiting their new assignments.

The SPLA fraternity congratulates President Kiir for having taken such decisive action at this time of need. We welcome the appointment of Lt. Gen James Hoth Mai whose record and unwavering resolve for the freedom of the marginalized people is untarnished and unquestionable. We also congratulate our former Chief of General Staff and his two deputies for their new appointment.

James Hoth Mai was born in Ulang County, Upper Nile State.

He joined the SPLA in June 1983 and participated in various capacities including being the Commando commander, Chief of Operations for Operations Jungle Storm between 1993 and 1995. He also participated in Operations Thunder Bolt. He served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics in 2005. Before his current promotion and appointment, Lt. General Hoth was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations.

He holds a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Forte Hare University, South Africa

Col Malaak Ayuen Ajok
Director of Information and Civil-Military Relations
PMO Branch
SPLA GHQs
Juba