The President affirmed that the position is of great responsibility and commissioned the new Chief of Defence Forces to serve with loyalty, discipline, and vision

By Aguok Chok

President Salva Kiir Mayardit has tasked the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces, General Dau Aturjong Nyuol, with implementing key military reforms aimed at transforming the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) into a modern, professional, and accountable institution.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at the State House in Juba, President Kiir said the time has come to clean up the army’s payroll and build a force that serves the people and respects the constitution. “This is a position of great responsibility, and I trust in your ability to serve with loyalty, discipline, and vision,” Kiir told Gen. Dau.

The President laid out five major tasks for the new army chief:

Eliminate Ghost Names: President Kiir stressed the need to remove non-existent soldiers, known as “ghost names,” from the SSPDF payroll. He said this will ensure that salaries go to the real, active soldiers who are serving the nation.

Improve Soldier Welfare: The Head of State emphasized the importance of securing consistent food and fuel supplies for troops. He said soldiers deserve better conditions and support for their families.

Unify the Forces: Kiir directed the army leadership to promote unity and cohesion within the SSPDF, saying the national army must act as one unified force loyal to the constitution, not to individual commanders.

Promote International Cooperation: The President encouraged stronger engagement with regional and international military partners to enhance training, intelligence sharing, and peacekeeping.

Strengthen Discipline and Leadership: President Kiir called for the development of strong leadership within the army and strict enforcement of discipline across all ranks.

In his first speech after taking office, Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol pledged to uphold the President’s vision and lead the military with commitment. “I will lead with integrity and uphold the constitutional role of the SSPDF,” he said. “Our mission is to protect the sovereignty of the Republic of South Sudan and to serve the people.”

The new Chief of Defence Forces, a seasoned military leader and former SPLA commander, brings decades of experience to the role. He is widely respected for his battlefield leadership and strong command.

Government officials and military observers say President Kiir’s instructions mark a major step toward reforming the SSPDF, which has long faced challenges such as lack of discipline, delayed salaries, and internal divisions.

“This is a positive move,” said an official at the Ministry of Defence. “A modern, unified and professional army is essential for peace, stability, and national development.”

The CDF comes into office at a time when the National Transitional Committee is working against time to actualize the National Unification of Forces ahead of the December 2026 elections, looking to train and integrate various opposing military factions into a unified command. Meanwhile, the new chief will be tasked with stemming violent clashes between the national army, SSPDF, and opposition factions, some of which have previously had violent, tragic clashes with the government forces.

Hower, with the President’s backing and clear priorities set, all eyes will be on Gen. Dau to actualize the tasks.