Riek Machar, the leader of the SPLM-IO, has called for continued training of recruits in courses that include the operation of heavy weapons, including tanks, according to Dickson Gatluak, a journalist working for the movement.
Machar made the call during a speech at a training college in Maiwut in Upper Nile state over the weekend, Gatluak reported. More than 500 people have graduated from the military college since the beginning of the crisis in South Sudan. The newest round of graduates will become platoon commanders, military intelligence officers and tank commanders.
“You should be challenging the Kiir government by demonstrating the loyalty, patriotism and good leadership after finishing the courses,” Machar is quoted as saying.
Machar was visiting the facility to assess the training programs.