Acting Chief of the Nepal Army Ashok Sigdel has been appointed as the Chief of Army Staff on Wednesday. His appointment will take effect from September 9.

President Ramchandra Paudel appointed Sigdel to the position as per Article 267 (5) of the constitution, following the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, according to a statement issued by Shailaja Regmi Bhattarai, the spokesperson for the Office of the President.

Current Chief of Army Staff Prabhu Ram Sharma has been on a month-long leave since August 8 as per the mandatory retirement. Following the tradition of the Nepal Army, Sharma will hand over responsibilities to Sigdel on September 9. Sigdel will serve as Chief of Army Staff for three years, until August 9, 2027.