S. Sudan army to transform into professional force

March 9, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) officials are optimistic the army would soon be transformed into a professional entity capable of defending the values, interests as well as the nation’s sovereignty.

“The general command has a very good vision. We are hoping for SPLA to be a professional, capable and responsive army that is a source of national pride”, Lt. General Chol Thon, the SPLA deputy chief of general staff for moral orientation said on Monday.

The command, Thon said, is presently working with other regional forces to help them organise, train, equip, deploy, sustain and become a formidable force in the conduct of support to operations so as to create a conducive environment for sustainable peace.

The senior army officer was reacting to the leaked African Union draft report, whihc recently described the SPLA as a force yet to meet international standards and become a professionally capable of guarding national interest as a neutral institution.

South Sudan has, in the past, benefited from United States involvement in training of its army and other security organs in the young nation.

In 2011, for instance, the US Department of Defense (DOD) initiated a dialogue with the South Sudanese army to ensure the latter’s transition from a guerrilla force to one that can provide adequate defense capabilities for its people and territory.

(ST)