South Sudan President Salva Kiir Maryardit has tasked the newly appointed Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Chol Thon Balok, to conduct nationwide civilian disarmament.
This came during the swearing-in ceremony of the defense minister who was appointed on Wednesday night. Hon. Chol was formerly a deputy Minister of Defense before his appointment to replace Angelina Teny.
Angelina who was nominated by SPLM in Opposition was sacked on 3rd March and her dismissal sparked disagreement with the opposition, terming it a “unilateral decision.”
Kiir directed the Minister to start the disarmament process in Juba and extends to other parts of the country.
President Kiir called the Minister to carry out his duties diligently in order to implement chapter two of the security arrangement.
“Chapter 2 of the peace agreement is detailed the permanent ceasefire and transitional security arrangements.
The Parties agree that the Permanent Ceasefire signed in Khartoum shall be observed meticulously throughout the country to ensure sustainable peace.
Last year South Sudan graduated the first batch of Necessary Unified Forces waiting for deployment.
Kiir told the new Minister to reorganize the army and disarm it into professional citizens expecting from the government.
For his part, the Defense Minister, Gen. Chol Thon Balok reiterated his commitment to implement Security arrangements for the country to achieve durable peace in the country.
The Minister said he will work jointly with the senior members to reorganize the army especially addressing the welfare of the soldiers
The SPLM-IO has criticized the appointment of the Defense Minister saying it’s a serious violation of the agreement.
Puok Both Puok, Press Secretary of the First Vice president said the appointment of Hon. Chol Thon as Minister is unilateral & a blatant new violation of R-ARCSS.