South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has praised the role of allied forces fighting alongside his army (SPLA-Juba), including a number of ex-rebel factions that have not been integrated into the army.
Radio Tamazuj is informed that President Salva Kiir met with his National Security Minister with other officials on Tuesday to discuss the role of allied militias in the current war.
During the meeting with National Security Minister Mabuto Mamur Mate on Tuesday, Kiir praised the allied forces for their ‘patriotism.’
Government and security sources say the minister briefed the president on relations with the allied militias while the president voiced support for their role and acknowledged their loyalty.
This confirms the direct role of Kiir in the policy of supporting non-integrated armed groups active in the current conflict in South Sudan.
These groups include the SSLM/A under Lieutenant General Bapiny Monytuil, SSDM/A under Major General Johnson Uliny, SSDM/A Cobra Faction under Major General David Yau Yau, and a number of other local groups.
During the meeting, Kiir reportedly also pointed to the fact that the armed groups reconciled to the South Sudanese government last year without external mediation, suggesting this as an example of how the country could resolve its own problems.
Asked to comment on this issue, the president’s spokesman Ateny Wek confirmed the president’s appreciation for the loyalty of the armed groups while highlighting that an integration committee under three government ministers is working to ensure the groups are eventually absorbed into the army.
“This is a process which requires time. The committee is working on it,” Ateny said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said that the allied armed groups were playing a “nationalistic” role in the conflict, noting that the country’s security would be negatively affected by any defections.
“It would have had negative impacts on the security situation in the country if they were to join the rebellion and this is why the decision they took to work for peace is seen as a demonstration of nationalism, because for peace to come some sacrifices and high prices must be made. And the government very much commends them for showing nationalistic spirit,” he explained.
Kiir’s government has made no disclosures as to the specifics of its support to various militias in terms of arms, ammunition, salaries or otherwise, though the militias’ role in fighting alongside SPLA-Juba is widely acknowledged.
File photo: Salva Kiir