South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed senior defence officials to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for the country’s upcoming general elections….reports Africa Daily News Desk
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has instructed South Sudan’s newly appointed Caretaker Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Gen. Ayor Akuoch Anok, and his deputy, Gen. Marial Chanuong, to strengthen security arrangements ahead of the country’s general elections.
Kiir issued the directive during a meeting with the two defence officials on Monday, stressing the importance of effective security measures to allow citizens to participate freely and peacefully in the electoral process.
The President, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel and strengthening institutions responsible for national security.
The defence officials assured Kiir of their commitment to advancing security-sector reforms and improving discipline and professionalism within the armed forces.
They also pledged to work towards transforming the national army into a unified and effective force, according to the statement on the meeting.
The talks come as South Sudan steps up preparations for general elections scheduled for December 22. Security has been identified as one of four critical pathways towards holding what the Government describes as credible and peaceful elections.
The meeting with the defence leadership comes as authorities face the challenge of creating conditions that would allow voters to take part in the electoral process without disruption.
Kiir’s directive places the country’s defence leadership at the centre of efforts to maintain security during the election period, while the Government continues preparations for the December vote.
The President’s meeting with the newly appointed defence officials also focused on broader efforts to strengthen the country’s security institutions and improve the effectiveness of the national army.
The defence leadership’s commitment to security-sector reforms is expected to form part of the wider preparations as South Sudan moves towards the scheduled elections.
