Gen. Jal Thomas appointed SPLA-IO deputy police chief

JUBA – South Sudan’s First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has appointed Lieutenant General Jal Thomas Kuma Khan as the deputy inspector-general of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) police service, according to a senior opposition official who spoke to Sudans Post this afternoon.

“This is to confirm that Lt. Gen. Jal Thomas Kuma has been appointed by H.E Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the First Vice President, Chairman and Commander in Chief of the SPLM/SPLA (IO) as the Deputy Inspector General of the national police service of the SPLM/SPLA (IO) effective yesterday,” the official who requested not to be named said from Juba.

“This is a very good step for the organization of the movement’s police service in order to prepare for the formation of the unified police with the South Sudan National Police Service (SSNPS) under the leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit because the parties will soon form the unified police,” the source added.

When contacted by Sudans Post, Press Secretary in the Office of the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and Director of Information of the SPLM-IO National Committee for Information and Public Relations Puok Both Baluang said he was not aware of General Jal’s appointment.