The SPLA spokesperson admitted that the southern army lacks professionalism due to many illiterate officers within its rank and file.
Colonel Phillip Aguer Panyang told SCR News over the phone that the SPLA was recruited along tribal lines, adding that it will take many years to have a professional army in South Sudan.
He added that the SPLA has to start a military academy to form future professional officers.
Mr. Aguer said that SPLA is opening schools in the barracks to help officers learn how to read and write.
He also mentioned that the SPLA is also trying to recruit younger officers into its rank and file while older soldiers from the struggle have to retire.
Mr. Aguer made these statements while commenting Peter Gadet’s Mayom Declaration that recommended the SPLA to be transformed into a truly professional national army.