SPLA Act, 2009 amended by cabinet

By James Gatdet Dak

March 25, 2009 (JUBA) – A phrase in the Sudan People’s Liberation Army Act, 2009 (SPLA Act, 2009) which defined the qualification of defense Minister and Undersecretary was amended by the Council of Ministers on Wednesday.

The phrase in Chapter 16 (I) of the Act says both the Minister for SPLA Affairs and the Undersecretary of the Ministry shall be non-uniform officials, and that is exclusively civilian officials.

The Act was passed unanimously by the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly in on January 14 this year and the document was sent to the President of the Government of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, to sign it.

However, President Kiir wrote a letter to the Speaker of the Assembly, James Wani Igga, requesting for the amendment of the particular phrase.

In the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday chaired by President Kiir, the Council resolved to amend the phrase, arguing that the qualification to the two positions should not be restricted to civilians alone, but to either of both (civilian and military).

(ST)