Significant developments in South Sudan: The president oversees the handover ceremony of army command.

Written by: Qusay Ahmed

The President of the Republic witnessed South SudanSalva Kiir Mayardit today presided over the official handover ceremony of command of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces at the General Command headquarters in Bilpam, in the capital Juba, in a move considered part of efforts to strengthen stability and reorganize the country’s military establishment.

The handover ceremony took place from Lieutenant General Dr. Paul Nang Majok to Lieutenant General Santino Deng Wol, who assumed his new duties as Chief of the Defence Staff. The event was attended by a number of senior military commanders, government officials, and security leaders.

Change in leadership of the South Sudan Defense Forces

In his speech during the ceremony, President Salva Kiir stressed the importance of unity of command, discipline and full coordination among the various security and military institutions, stressing that building a unified and professional national army is a fundamental pillar for protecting peace and stability and promoting national unity in South Sudan.

Kiir called on officers and soldiers to perform their duties with a spirit of responsibility, integrity, and commitment to serving the people, noting that the current stage requires greater cohesion within the regular forces to confront security challenges and support the peace process.

For his part, Defense Minister, Lieutenant General Chol Tun Balok, affirmed the government’s full support for the new military leadership, reiterating the authorities’ commitment to continuing plans to reform and develop the military establishment and raise its professional and operational efficiency.

The new Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Santino Deng Wol, expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him by the President, pledging to work on strengthening military readiness, discipline and professionalism within the ranks of the army, in order to contribute to protecting security and stability in the country.

In turn, the former commander of the defense forces, Lieutenant General Dr. Paul Nang Majok, expressed his gratitude to the President for the opportunity to serve, affirming his readiness to support the new leadership and ensure a smooth transition of military duties.

Observers believe that the handover ceremony carried important political and security messages, most notably the emphasis on the need to maintain the unity of the military establishment in light of the challenges facing South Sudan, including the implementation of the peace agreement and the strengthening of internal security.

The occasion also reflected the political leadership's keenness to demonstrate cohesion within the armed forces, as one of the most important elements for achieving stability and lasting peace in the country.