President Salva Kiir has tasked General Dr. Paul Nang Majok, the newly appointed Chief of Defense Forces, with the responsibility of professionalizing the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF). This appointment follows a reshuffling of the country’s security and financial sectors, including the reassignment of General Santino Deng Wol, who was relieved of his duties as Chief of Defense Forces and appointed as undersecretary in the Ministry of Defense.
During the handover ceremony, President Kiir emphasized the critical role of the military in defending South Sudan’s sovereignty, while stressing the importance of transforming the armed forces into a conventional military institution. He warned against any involvement of the military in politics, reiterating that the armed forces should focus solely on national defense.
“We warn the SSPDF and other regular forces against involvement in politics,” Kiir stated. “Your primary role is to defend the country, not to engage in political activities. We will not tolerate any uniformed personnel participating in politics, as the military’s duty is clearly defined in our national interest.”
The president also highlighted the need for ethical conduct within the military, stressing the importance of avoiding corruption, such as land grabbing and upholding the military’s reputation.
SSPDF spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang explained that the appointment of General Majok was based on the president’s expectation that he would lead the transformation of the military. “The president expects General Majok to modernize and professionalize the SSPDF, ensuring that the army is equipped to handle both internal and external threats while protecting the nation’s integrity,” Koang said.
General Majok has accepted the challenge and committed to restructuring the SSPDF, improving soldiers’ welfare, and incorporating advanced technology into the military. This transformation comes amid reported incursions by Uganda’s People’s Defense Force (UPDF) into South Sudanese territory earlier this year, underlining the urgent need for a more capable and modernized armed forces.
This restructuring effort represents a crucial step for South Sudan as it works to strengthen its military, address ongoing security challenges, and ensure the protection of its citizens and national interests.
