By Deng Ghai Deng
President Salva Kiir issued a strong warning to South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) and other organized forces to avoid involvement in politics.
“We warn SSPDF and other regular forces against involvement in politics, but rather to concentrate on their transformation process into conventional institutions,” President Kiir said on Thursday during the official handover ceremony of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) at the Military Headquarters in Bilpham.
“We will not allow anybody in uniforms to engage in politics because you have a different role to play in the country.”
President Salva Kiir has also instructed the newly appointed Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the SSPDF, Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok, to focus on transforming the military into a professional force capable of defending the country’s territorial integrity.
Gen. Santino Deng Wol, the former Chief of Defence Forces, handed over the instruments of power to Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok.
Kiir also called on the military to continue promoting good ideals among the civilian population, urging them to steer clear of corrupt practices such as land grabbing and political interference.
He warned that such actions would tarnish the reputation of the military and undermine its core mission of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
In his acceptance speech, the new CDF, Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok, pledged to implement the President’s directives, focusing on reorganizing and modernizing the military.
He emphasized his commitment to improving the welfare of soldiers, ensuring they are equipped with modern tools and technologies to effectively carry out their duties.
The military leadership transition follows the dismissal of Gen. Santino Deng Wol earlier this week, with Gen. Dr. Paul Nang, previously the Chief of Military Operations, appointed as his successor.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesperson, described the leadership changes as part of a normal process aimed at transforming the army into a professional force that is well-equipped to protect South Sudan’s territorial integrity and address current security challenges.
“His Excellency the president reiterated the reason why he appointed him [Gen. Nang] and it was basically that he needed him to embark on the transformation of SSPDF into a model and professional army that is capable of meeting today’s challenges in terms of being ready to protect the territorial integrity of this country the people of this Republic and their properties and yes to take care of every threat whether eternally letter or externally.” Gen. Koang said
In August, members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) raised concerns over incursions by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) into South Sudanese territories, particularly in Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria, and Raja County in Western Bahr El Ghazal State.
However, no military response from the SSPDF was reported, with Gen. Lul stating that the army opted for diplomatic means to address the border dispute.