By Lodu William Odiya
President Salva Kiir has directed the Chief of Defense Forces, Dr. Paul Nang Majok, to improve the welfare of soldiers.
The head of state and the commander in chief of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) made the directive on Thursday during the swearing in ceremony of the new officials.
According to the statement obtained from the Presidential Press Unit (PPU), Kiir’s Directive is aimed at upholding professionalism in the military.
The statement issued by the presidential press unit, Kiir made the remark during Nang’s swearing-in on Thursday in Juba.
“During the swearing-in ceremony held on Thursday, President Kiir urged Dr. Paul Nang to prioritize the welfare and well-being of all organized forces,” the statement from the presidential press unit partly read.
The Commander in Chief also directed the appointed CDF to initiate a program to ensure reforms.
“The President of the Republic, Commander-in-Chief, and Supreme Commander of all Organized Forces has directed the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Dr. Paul Nang Majok, to uphold professionalism,” it read.
The statement also stated that the head of state also issued a stern warning against any military interference in the country’s political affairs, including those pertaining to the state and other matters.
“President Kiir urges Dr. Paul Nang to prioritize the welfare and well-being of all organized forces,” it read.
It underscored the president’s emphasis on the importance of embodying integrity, neutrality, and a commitment to reforms, pledging unwavering support for initiatives aimed at modernizing the defense force.
President Salva Kiir on Wednesday relieved the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), Gen. Dau Aturjok Nyuol.
Kiir appointed Gen. Paul Nang Majok as Chief of Defense Forces.
In his first appointment in December 2024, Gen. Paul Nang Majok was tasked with transforming the military into a professional force capable of defending the country’s territorial integrity.
Welfare of the soldiers
Recently, the Transitional National Legislative Assembly summoned Defense and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Gen. Chol Thon Balok to present a comprehensive report on the living conditions of veterans and victims of the country’s liberation struggle.
The summons followed a motion last month by lawmakers who argued that former fighters have been neglected since South Sudan gained independence.
According to several reports, the living condition of the soldiers remains critical, with challenges such as salary delay, among other challenges.