Kiir directs new army chief to find out why soldiers are deserting service

JUBA – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed the country’s new army chief General Santino Deng Wol to find out why many soldiers are deserting their positions and to work to unify the army.

Kiir on Saturday issued a number of republican orders dismissing General Johnson Juma Okot and replaced him with former third infantry division commander General Santino Deng Wol.

He also replaced the minister in the office of the president, Nhial Deng Nhial, with former minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation Barnaba Marial Benjamin.

The South Sudanese head of state also replaced the director-general of external security bureau General Thomas Duoth Guet with Simon Yien Makuac.

Speaking during the swearing ceremony of the newly appointed military and political figures on Monday, Kiir urged General Wol to work and find out why soldiers are leaving camps saying the practice causes insecurity and must be addressed.

“To my two Generals, (Gen.) Santino Wol, you have been brought into this position, and this is a big position among all your peers, because if there is no security, no army, then there is no nation,” President Kiir said.

“So, Santino you have to find out what is fragmenting the army. Find it out. You people bring me a big parade and demand money, this is greed for money.”

The South Sudanese head of state further added: “When we were fighting the Arabs, there was something called a foot parade. When you would ask commanders about the foot parade, they would send you a good list saying they have an army, but when the enemy would attack, they would be the first to call for reinforcement.”