General Ochan Puot’s soldiers get 8-months salary – official

JUBA – South Sudan militia commander General Ochan Puot’s forces have been given eight-month salaries by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, according to a senior government official with direct knowledge of the matter.

The official who is close to General Ochan said President Salva Kiir Mayardit met with the militia commander last week where the South Sudanese head of state offered a eight-month salary.

“In the last few weeks, President Kiir, convened meeting facilitated by Presidential Affairs Security Advisor, Tut Gatluak and heads of Militia groups to release eight months salary to pay militia groups station in Maiwut county to supplement and replace soldiers that have deserted the cantonment,” the official who requested not to be named said.

“During these talks,  President Kiir agreed to pay 8 million dollars to independent militia groups, through Tut Kew’s office,” the official added.

General Ochan is formerly the leader of the Provisional Military Political Command that split away from the main armed opposition group SPLM-IO led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny.

Recently, Kiir named him Commander of Special Forces in Maiwut County.