By Jacob Onuha Nelson and Lodu William Odiya
President, Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed cleaning of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) payroll of ghost names.
Kiir issued the directive to the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol, during oath taking, on Thursday.
According to the President, there is need for urgent removal of “ghost names” from the military payroll as well as improving the welfare of soldiers across all ranks.
In a statement from President’s office, implementation of sweeping reform would transform the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) into a professional, modern, and accountable national army.
“This is a position of great responsibility, and I trust in your ability to serve with loyalty, discipline, and vision,” Kiir told Gen. Dau in the statemen.
The head of state further, urged the new CDF to unify the SSPDF as a constitutional, people-serving force, enhancing regional and international military cooperation and focusing on leadership development and discipline.
Meanwhile, Gen. Aturjong pledged to lead with integrity, uphold the army’s constitutional role, and protect national sovereignty and citizens, promising the public to lead with integrity, uphold the army’s constitutional role, and protect national sovereignty and citizens.
Reliable sources noted that officials and the congregation welcomed the President’s directives, which “marked a significant step toward building a more accountable and capable military force,”.
In 2024, minister of finance and planning, Barnaba Bak Chol, set out to eliminate ‘ghost workers’ from public payroll and avoid mountains of claims worth millions of dollars, until verification of the invoices.
However, Dr. Bak’s determination to bring reforms and transformation to a limping economy, received resistance.
Dr. BBC also attempted to introduce electronic payment to minimize illegal cases, but the initiative is still on progress.
The Central Bank has also initiated payment of civil servants and organized forces through their bank accounts, a step to reduce ghost names in the system.