A top military officer on Saturday called for greater cooperation between the military and civilians in South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Gahzal State.

Major General Abraham Gum Makuac, the 5th infantry division commander made the remarks at the military barracks in the town of Wau.

“They are our families and friends. We need to maintain good relations with them as citizens of this country, because we are part of them,” he explained.

Gum urged the youth to remain focused as tomorrow’s leaders.

The military officer further appealed to citizens to peacefully co-exist with the armed forces, saying their presence is to provide sufficient security.

“Civilians need protection from us. I also appeal to our citizens to cooperate with the organized forces so that criminals can be apprehended,” Gum stressed.