President Salva Kiir has instructed the new Chief of the Defense Forces (CDF), Gen. Dr. Paul Nang Majok, to transform the military into a professional force capable of defending the country’s territorial integrity.
Kiir, who also serves as the Commander-in-Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), made the remarks on Thursday during the official handover ceremony at the Military Headquarters in Bilpham.
President Kiir issued a strong warning to SSPDF and other organized forces to refrain from politics.
“We warn SSPDF and other regular forces against involvement in politics, but rather to concentrate on their transformation into conventional institutions,” President Kiir emphasized.
“We will not allow anybody in uniform to engage in politics because you have a different role in the country.”
Former CDF Gen Santino Deng Wol handed over to Gen Majok.
Kiir also called on the military to continue promoting ideals among the civilians, urging them to avoid 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.
Gen 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, and ensuring they are equipped with modern tools and technologies to carry out their duties.
The military transition follows the dismissal of Gen Wol earlier this week, with Gen Majok, previously the Chief of Military Operations, appointed successor.
SSPDF Spokesperson Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang described the changes as a normal process aimed at transforming the army into a professional force that is well equipped to protect South Sudan’s territorial integrity and addressing the current security challenges.
“His excellency the president reiterated why he appointed him [Gen. Nang] and it was basically that he needed him to embark on the transformation of SSPDF into model and professional army capable of meeting today’s challenges 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 internal or external.” Maj. Gen. Koang said
In August, members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) raised concerns over incursions by the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF) into South Sudan, particularly in Eastern Equatoria, Central Equatoria, and Raja County in Western Bahr El Ghazal State. However, no military response was reported, with Gen Koang stating that the army opted for diplomatic means to address the border dispute.