President Kiir urges new Defense minister to re-organize army

April 2, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has urged the new Defense Minister General Chol Thon Balok to reorganize the country’s army.

Part of his role, Kiir stressed, would be to disarm civilians in the capital, Juba.

“President Kiir directed the new minister to reorganize the army and disarm the civil population in Juba and other parts of the country,” Kiir’s office said.

The South Sudanese leader further urged the minister to “carry out his duties diligently in order to implement chapter two of the security arrangement”.

The Defense minister was appointed following the controversial sacking of her predecessor and armed opposition (SPLM-IO) member, Angelina Teny.

Meanwhile Balok vowed commitment to implement security arrangement in order to achieve a durable peace in the country and work jointly with senior members to reorganize the army especially addressing their welfare.

(ST)