South Sudan’s Kiir tells new army chief to unite soldiers

April 13, 2021 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has urged the new army chief of staff, General Santino Wol to ensure there is unity within the national army (SSPDF).

Speaking during the swearing-in of the newly appointed army chief on Monday, Kiir said security is paramount for peace to hold across the country.

He urged the new army chief to ensure stability in the young nation.

“Santino Wol, you have been brought into this position, and this is a big position among all your peers, because if there is no security, no army, then there is no nation,” said Kiir.

The president, also commander in chief of the army, further urged the army chief to minimize desertions in the military.

The South Sudanese leader on Saturday appointed Wol to replace Gen. Johnson Juma Okot who was sent to Belgium as ambassador.

The newly-appointed army chief will oversee an estimated over 185,000 forces in the country.

(ST)