UN appoints new force commander for peacekeeping mission in South Sudan

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has appointed Chinese senior military officer Junhui Wu as the new Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

According to a statement released by the UN on Thursday, General Wu will replace Mohan Subramanian, whose leadership during his tenure was praised by Guterres.

The UN said General Wu brings more than 40 years of military leadership and operational experience from the People's Liberation Army as well as previous involvement in UN peacekeeping operations.

The leadership change comes as South Sudan continues to face political tensions and security challenges despite the 2018 peace agreement intended to end years of civil war.

South Sudan gained independence in 2011 but descended into civil conflict in 2013 after President Salva Kiir dismissed his then–Vice President Riek Machar, accusing him of plotting a coup.

Although a unity government was later formed, clashes between government forces and opposition groups have persisted in several regions, highlighting ongoing instability in the world’s youngest nation.