Presidency denies media reports that President Salva Kiir issued a decree renaming SPLA, South Sudan Defense Force.
Presidential Spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny told Radio Bakhita on Wednesday that the decree was misquoted.
He says SPLA remains the name of the national army.
The president has only restructured the army without changing the name, Ateny spells out.
The Spokesperson clarifies that a move to rename the national army would go through the National Parliament.
This week, Media reports indicate that President Salva Kiir has changed the name of the national army from SPLA to South Sudan Defense Force.
President Salva Kiir issued several decrees Monday night, creating major army leadership changes this week.
The army is restructured into three separate forces: Ground force, Air force and Navy units.
Under the new chain of command, the chief of defense forces will have three assistants to oversee personnel and finance, training and intelligence, logistics and procurement.
The changes are in line with resolutions approved in June by the fifth SPLA Command Council conference.