The president was speaking during the handover ceremony at the SSPDF General Headquarters at Bilpam on Monday, where the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol, officially took charge from his predecessor, Gen. Paul Nang Majok.
“Any form of political interference or alignment within the army will not be tolerated,” he said. “The army must protect the state, not political interests,” the president added.
Kiir tasked the army chief with professionalising and depoliticising the national army, calling for the removal of “ghost names” from the military payroll, an issue that has long plagued the system.
Kiir, the only president South Sudan has known since independence, emphasised that the army is more than just a military institution, but a reflection of nationhood.
“The SSPDF is a symbol of our sovereignty, a shield of our independence, and a guardian of our national unity,” said Kiir as quoted by the Presidential Press Unit.
“The time has come to transform the SSPDF into a professional, unified, and modern army—one that is well trained, well equipped, and rooted in patriotism and discipline,” the president added.
The SSPDF has been implicated in serious human rights abuses, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, extrajudicial executions, conflict-related sexual violence, and attacks on civilians, schools, and hospitals. These actions contradict the standards of a professional military.
In his address on Monday, the president also directed Dau to embody integrity, neutrality, and a commitment to reforms, pledging full support for efforts aimed at modernising the force.
Meanwhile, Nang, the predecessor to Dau, expressed his gratitude to the Kiir for the opportunity to serve, highlighting strides made in stabilising the army’s command structure and reinforcing operational discipline amidst ongoing security threats.
But Mr. Dau pledged to prioritise the welfare of soldiers, uphold discipline, and promote patriotism within the ranks. He also committed to implementing reforms that align the army with the values of professionalism and national service.
“This leadership transition is widely seen as a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to reforming and professionalising the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), ensuring they remain a capable, neutral, and constitutionally aligned force in the face of evolving security challenges,” said the statement.
Transforming the SSPDF remains a daunting task. Dau takes on a challenge that at least seven predecessors either failed to tackle or were relieved before implementing their reform initiatives.
