By Yiep Joseph
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has warned Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) members from engaging in politics.
Last week President Kiir appointed Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol as the new Chief.
During the handover ceremony on Monday at the SSPDF General Headquarters in Bilpam, President Kiir reiterated his call on SSPDF members to cease engaging in politics.
Kiir issued a stern warning against military interference in politics, adding that the SSPDF must remain a neutral force loyal to the constitution.
“Any form of political interference or alignment within the army will not be tolerated. “The army must protect the state, not political interests.” Kiir said.
According to the statement obtained from the presidential press unit, the head of state also directed the newly appointed Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) to transform the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
“The time has come to transform the SSPDF into a professional, unified, and modern army—one that is well trained, well equipped, and rooted in patriotism and discipline,” Kiir said.
The president reaffirms commitment toward supporting the unification of the army, adding that it is a symbol of sovereignty and unity.
“The SSPDF is a symbol of our sovereignty, a shield of our independence, and a guardian of our national unity,” he expressed.
Meanwhile, during the swearing-in ceremony, Kiir directed the CDF to remove ghost names from the payroll of the SSPDF as part of transparency in the army.
On his part, the outgoing Army CDF Gen. Paul Nang Majok expressed gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve.
Incoming CDF, Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol pledged to prioritize the welfare of soldiers, uphold discipline, and promote patriotism within the ranks.
He also committed to implementing reforms that align the army with the values of professionalism and national service.
In 2022 South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit issued a republican order banning all active members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and members of other organized forces from participating in politics and also from leading community organizations.
“In exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Article 101 (c) of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan, 2011 (as amended), I, Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan, Commander-in-Chief of the SSPDF and the Supreme Commander of all the other Regular Forces, do hereby issue this Republican Order for the Prohibition of All Active Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOS) in the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and all the Other Regular Forces from Participating in Politics, Leadership of Respective Communities, Youth or Women Organizations, the Promotion of Propaganda and Hate Speeches on Social Media Platforms,” Kiir said in the decree.