Kiir promotes hundreds of ex-rebel fighters to new ranks in SSPDF

JUBA – South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has promoted former rebel fighters loyal to Gen. Gai Yoach Dong, the former deputy army chief for marine forces, into new ranks in the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), according to newly promoted officers.

According to the officers, around 187 former members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) who left the group in June 2014 to join the South Sudan army along with Gen. Gai Yoach were promoted into new rank, starting from second lieutenant to Major-General.

“The promotion came last week because since we joined the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, we have not been confirmed or promoted. After the president confirmed us, he promoted us from the rank of major to the rank of lieutenant colonel,” one of those promoted told Sudans Post last evening.

Another former SPLA-IO fighter, turned SSPDF soldier, expressed his happiness to President Kiir for living up to his promise which he said when the group broke away from First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny’s SPLM-IO.

“We are very happy that the president has respected his promise because when we joined the SSPDF, he promised through our leader Gen. Gai Yoach Dong that he will promote and confirm us within the SSPDF,” the officer said.

“So, I am happy with the president,” he added.