Kiir calls for transformation of SSPDF forces into World-class professional army

November 4, 2019 News, Newsbeat, South Sudan

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit addressing the army during the conclusion of the 7th Command Conference Held In Juba, (Credit:PPU)

Nov 4th, 2019-(SSNN)-South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has instructed senior military commanders to undertake the process of transforming the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) into a World-class professional army.

President Kiir made the remark on Monday at the conclusion of the 7th command council conference, which was held at the SSPDF’s Defense General Headquarters in the capital Juba.

“President Salva Kiir directed the army and the organs of NPTC to fully comply with the resolutions and recommendations reached by the council as an urgent matter. He further urged the army to work towards transformation of the army in a professional world-class army,” said the Presidency in a statement.

The president reportedly urged the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs to ensure that the SSPDF forces are well-trained and their monthly salaries are increased.

“President Salva Kiir directed the ministry of defense and veteran affairs to ensure that the army is well equipped and given adequate facilities to carry out their work, and to also have their salaries and allowances increased, the President concluded,” the statement issued by the president partly reads.

The military command conference, attended by hundreds of senior officers, ended on November 4, 2019 with a number of resolutions and recommendations given regarding the implementation of security arrangements and other pending issues.

South Sudan’s senior military officers attending the 7th military command conference at the country’s Defense General Headquarters (Credit:PPU)

“The command council conference held under the theme, SSPDF transformation and challenges of implementing the revitalized peace agreement, aimed to brief the army on the status of the revitalized peace agreement with focus on the transitional security arrangements and drawing strategic defense security review in line with the peace deal.”