By Yiep Joseph
The Chief of Defence Forces, General Santino Deng Wol, has urged members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) to remain disciplined, united, and professional as the election approaches.
Speaking during a military briefing at the Army headquarters, General Wol called on officers and soldiers to respect civilians, support national reconciliation, and stay out of politics while in uniform.
He stressed that the military must remain neutral and operate within the established chain of command, warning officers against conduct that could undermine public confidence in the armed forces.
General Wol also dismissed claims that the absence of President Salva Kiir could create an opportunity for instability or military action.
“There are people who say if some people conduct a meeting and the president is not in the country, there is a problem,” General Wol said. “Comrade, I want to tell you, you are lying. There is nothing we can do without approval from the president.”
The army chief said the military leadership remains in contact with the president and that security operations, including patrols, are conducted with his knowledge and approval.
“We are working with the President, and we told the President that we are going to do patrols,” he said.
General Wol urged the public and military personnel not to interpret the President’s absence as a sign that the country is vulnerable to unrest.
“Do not say that if the President is not in the country, something will happen. Nothing will happen; you are lying,” he said.
He explained that recent military patrols were also intended to reassure the public that the President’s absence did not leave the country without security arrangements.
“That is why there was a patrol to tell people that the President has gone somewhere and his soldiers are there,” General Wol said.
The remarks come as South Sudan continues to face political and security challenges following years of conflict and fragile peace arrangements.
The CDF’s call for discipline and military neutrality underscores the SSPDF’s role in maintaining stability while remaining separate from political activities.
General Wol also said the military leadership had informed the president about its meetings and activities, emphasising that the armed forces continue to operate under the country’s established command structure.
He urged officers to uphold professionalism and respect for civilians, saying the conduct of the military is critical to restoring public trust and supporting national reconciliation.