Dear Dr. Paul,
Affable greetings to you,
I am reaching out to you for several important reasons. As a young, educated, and patriotic individual, I believe you have the discernment and commitment to listen to my concerns regarding matters of national significance.
Take this seriously; your return to the Office as Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) is not miraculous, and it is not a making of the self-claimed lobbyists either; it is a deliberate decision made by President Salva Kiir Mayardit, rooted in merit, competence, and trust in your leadership. His decision, perhaps, was grounded on the hope that you will restore the essence of the army.
Based on these values, you are being called back not only to command the army but also to heal the nation and remind it of its true identity as a reformist tasked with professionalizing the military.
Take it to heart that our army is a source of irrevocable pride. While we may have faltered in politics or policy, the honor of the Republic of South Sudan lies with those who don the uniform. Our boys.
You now hold the position of defender of the Constitution, guardian of sovereignty, and custodian of the territorial integrity of South Sudan. Be cognizant of this fact: our borders, established through ultimate sacrifices, basically with the profuse blood of martyrs, must not be tampered with by any encroachers. Those who encroached upon our land during our time of mess must feel the stalwart resolve of a country whose armed forces are reborn under the disciplined leadership of a zealous young commander.
Also, there is this pressing issue: our forces have not received their pay for a long time; this happens amidst the allegations that foreign troops are compensated at their expense. This situation is real, disheartening, and unpatriotic. A country like South Sudan, a product of a protracted liberation struggle with many enemies that crave its vast land and natural resources, cannot depend on mercenaries. They might desert us during our most critical moments, when their assistance would have been invaluable. We must depend on ourselves. Our soldiers are known for resilience, perseverance, and a firm combat spirit. They are the true shield of this country, and their well-being must be one of your top priorities.
As a scholar and a soldier, you understand the key issues at hand and which button to press. The SPLA Act, 2009, and other national laws clearly outline your mission. Given that the law covers you, you ought to remain firm against political distractions, self-serving advisers, and internal sabotage.
Your prime goal should be grounded in the empowerment of your officers, listening to the troops, and committing to continuous learning. It is possible for any ethical thinker, planner, or expert, even with the current artificial economic meltdown, to ensure that the soldiers receive the compensation they deserve. I urge you to work to restore the armed forces’ morale and discipline. Inspire every soldier to take pride in serving beneath our beautiful flag.
It is self-explanatory that you must not let politics interfere with command. The state must also regain control over the use of force and violence. Ugandan and other foreign forces, except UNMISS, should withdraw immediately. We don’t need a military rescue; our country is not crumbling. Our army is not weak either; it is one of Africa’s most experienced, established through resilience in a liberation struggle. It is tried and tested and is never ceremonial.
You are also responsible for restraining the raiders as part of your defined functions. Calm the communal tensions. Secure our borders while restoring the freedom of movement for all South Sudanese citizens. You must lead with firmness and fairness and command with vision, not vengeance, against your personal adversaries.
Dear Gen. Paul, history is now watching you with keenness and enormous precision. You are young, educated, and capable. Show the world that the SSPDF is more than just an army; it is a professional institution that represents the very soul of South Sudan.
Finally, take note that when the armed forces stand tall, the country remains unshaken.
With respect and faith,
Dr. Sunday de John
The writer holds MBA and Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from the University of Nairobi, Faculty of Business and Management Sciences and Faculty of Medicine respectively. He is the current Chairman of the South Sudan United Front-Progressive and can be reached via drsundayalong4@gmail.com
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.