South Sudan army calls on its forces to play a role in development
September 19, 2010 (JUBA) — The top leadership of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) on Sunday called on armed units to play a role in regional development, saying soldiers should not limit their services to protection, but have numerous roles to play as far the socio-economic development of the region is concerned.
“Yes, everyone is aware that the primary responsibility of each and every armed force is to preserve and defend the territorial integrity of the state, but we also have a role to play as citizens. When the need arises, we need to come to the aid of the civil authorities in times of natural disasters and other [unprecedented circumstances],” explained Mai.
He was referring to the recent assistance given by SPLA and police forces in the state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, in which the armed units were reported to have voluntarily assisted in relocation of the flood affected victims.
“I was moved by reports that our forces in Northern Bahr el Ghazal assisted flood victims in Aweil town. This is it. This is what every soldier and commanding officers should imitate and do elsewhere in the region. This is part of protection. Protection does not necessarily mean protecting people from physical harm, but any danger,” Mai continued.
He also told the officers and troops that their role as personnel of the armed forces is crosscutting: “We have some social responsibilities as well. We also have the duty to care for the people and many other things,” He added that the scheme would not stop in Juba, it would be implemented across the region.
General Pieng Deng Kuol also commended the road-mending exercise as it “caused a lot of delay in the flow of traffic and more importantly it is our concern as members of the armed forces”.
He appealed to other government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the general public to make sure that they contribute to national development saying “potholes can be fixed by children”.
The generals extolled development programs and the valiant aspirations of the commander-in-chief of the SPLA forces and President of southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit. “He wants to develop this region and he will not be able to do it alone; we need for support both at the individual and institutional level,” explained Pieng.
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murlescrewed
South Sudan army calls on its forces to play a role in development
The good general should drill this concept into the minds of its soldiers so that they should assist in disaster events without having to wait.
Jakok Loakloak
South Sudan army calls on its forces to play a role in development
Wassap with that response Garmai. It sound as if you were not connected to the decision of Bilpam main road reconstruction. In addition to what is transpiring, could it be possible to grand the spla Corps of Engineers such programs as stone breaking and the Nile dredging plus bridges re/construction and the tributaries waterways rerouting so we could avoid the everyday flooding of our wet lands?
Jakok
Jakok Loakloak
South Sudan army calls on its forces to play a role in development
For those well informed individuals of the spla herrachy, why do Kuol Diem Kuol the spla Spokeperson carry in his shoulder higher ranks than the General Chief of Staff Mr. James Hoth. In an old picture of Mr. Kuol he was waring the following insignias: a sescors, an eagle and one star in between. while the current picture of GCoS have only a secsors and a tajj making him a major general not the General he was promoted to when he assumed the helm of spla GCoS position?. I am just wondering.
Jakok
paul baak anyaar
South Sudan army calls on its forces to play a role in development
General James Hoth seems to be the embodiment of what anyone expect of an army General. Indeed, our boys should know that their duties should not be narrowed to protection of civilians against walking enemies but also against dangers of any sort.
We also want our boys disciplined, well-trained and well advised. Mr. Hoth also ought to eradicate indoctrination of forces by ethnocentric sub-generals. Polarization of Forces is a lethal dynamite and should not be given a chance to grow an inch among our gallant soldiers.
Abraham Majur Lam
South Sudan army calls on its forces to play a role in development
Bravo my dear comrades James Hoth and Pieng Deng for the remark and I appreciate our forces in Aweil and those who participated in the road rpair. One thing i should urge you my leaders is a discipline among our soldiers.When we step at Bilpam gate like this we are being harrassed like if we were not part of the struggle during liberation process. Someon whois not in uniform also deserve respect from his brothers. Am now study here in East Africa because I have been demobilised and time will come when I graduate and go back to serve my new nation in making in the army. Our forces need to have strong social relationship with general public and hope with time they will do more.