By Baraka John
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), General Santino Deng Wol, has inspected the ongoing registration, verification and integration of over 3000 former SPLM-IO forces into the national army in Western Equatoria State.
General Wol visited the forces at Lii-Rangu in Yambio County on Saturday as part of efforts to oversee the implementation of the integration process.
Speaking during the visit, the CDF said his visit was in response to a directive from President Salva Kiir Mayardit to monitor and support the registration, verification and integration of the former SPLM-IO forces into the SSPDF.
General Wol urged the forces to maintain discipline, remain non-political and focus on their responsibility to protect civilians and maintain peace and security.
He further announced that the integrated forces would receive uniforms and salaries as part of the government’s arrangements following their incorporation into the national army.
“We are taking your list to the President for approval as we prepare you to become part of the national army, with the responsibility of defending your country. Once the process is completed, your names will be added to the national army payroll. We will also provide you with military uniforms so that you can serve as fully integrated and trained soldiers. These uniforms will be delivered to Western Equatoria based on the strength of your parade.”
Western Equatoria State Governor, Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa, welcomed the integration process, describing it as an important step toward strengthening peace, security and stability in the state.
Governor Rimbasa commended the former SPLM-IO forces for choosing peace and joining the national government. He urged them to remain disciplined, cooperate with government authorities and contribute to the protection of civilians and communities.
The Governor also appealed to forces that remain outside the national security system to come forward for registration and integration, urging them to embrace peace and contribute to national stability.
“I want to commend these forces for choosing to join the government. Even before their formal integration, they played a role in protecting civilians and defending the country. Now that the integration process is underway, I urge no one to remain in the bush in Western Equatoria State. We need peace, and that is why I have come here. I call upon all the youth and forces still in the bush to come out, embrace peace and participate in the integration process.”
The visit was attended by senior SSPDF officers, including five generals.
The Western Equatoria State Government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the integration process as part of broader efforts to promote peace, unity and stability across the state.