South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has called on the soldiers and other organized forces to protect civilians and their properties while appreciating them for serving the nation.
In his SPLA Day message, Kiir says the unification command structure will bring the spirit of togetherness.
“With the Unified command structure in place, a new spirit of togetherness should guide your actions as you work to meet the challenges confronting you,” he said.
President acknowledged the sacrifices South Sudanese made during the struggle saying it can be an inspiration to help in the plans for the graduation of the unified forces.
As stated in the peace agreement, South Sudan hopes to graduate one national army, but there has been a delay that worries many people.
Kiir recalled those who sacrificed their lives to fight for the country’s freedom.
“Today, we salute the ranks and files of the SPLA in all their formations and their officers who led them gallantly during the war of national liberations.”
He remembered the contribution of the late Dr. John Garang De Mabior and all his comrades who died during the liberation.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) was founded as a rebel movement on May 16th, 1983, to fight against the aggression of the Sudan government.
Dr. John Garang de Mabior led the movement to establish an autonomous Southern Sudan, initially within a united Sudan.
Its military actions against the Sudanese government became the Second Sudanese Civil War, which lasted until 2005.
After South Sudan gained its independence in 2011, the SPLA became the new country’s army, later renamed the South Sudan People’s Defense Force in 2018.