South Sudan's Defense Minister Advocates for Improved Soldier Welfare

Addressing Misconceptions: South Sudan's Defense Minister Advocates for Improved Soldier Welfare

By John Kusolo

In recent weeks, a viral video circulating on social media sparked widespread criticism aimed at South Sudan's Defense Minister, General Chol Thon Balok, alleging neglect in addressing the salary arrears of the nation's soldiers. However, a comprehensive statement released by the Ministry of Defense and Veterans' Affairs sheds light on the misconstrued narrative surrounding the minister's actions and intentions.

The video in question depicted a meeting between General Chol Thon Balok and Brigadier Shamim Kamal, discussing plans to procure new army uniforms. The ministry clarified that the purpose of the meeting was to enhance the quality of military attire for the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF), emphasizing the minister's commitment to ensuring the best equipment and attire for the armed forces.

Addressing the accusations of neglecting salary issues, the ministry stressed that the delay in salary disbursement is a complex administrative matter, not directly under the responsibility of the defense minister. Instead, it falls within the realm of financial administration, with limited sources of non-oil revenues posing a challenge to timely payments.

Finance and Planning Minister Awow Daniel Chuang further elaborated on the financial constraints faced by the government, citing limited revenue collection capacity as a hindrance to meeting salary obligations. Despite efforts to improve revenue collection through the National Revenue Authority (NRA), the current revenue intake remains insufficient to cover the salaries of civil servants, including soldiers, who have endured months without payment.

General Chol Thon Balok's advocacy for improved soldier welfare extends beyond mere rhetoric, as evidenced by his active engagement in seeking solutions to enhance military personnel's livelihoods. The ministry's assertion that attacks on the minister constitute an attack on the institution as a whole underscores the importance of recognizing the complexities involved in governance and resource allocation.

Furthermore, the involvement of Brigadier Shamim Kamal, with his expertise in fabric production and previous service with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), highlights the collaborative efforts aimed at addressing the needs of the SSPDF.

While the challenges of salary payment persist, it is imperative to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of governance and the concerted efforts of government officials to navigate these complexities. General Chol Thon Balok's unwavering commitment to the welfare of South Sudan's soldiers remains steadfast, as he continues to advocate for improved conditions and equitable treatment for those serving in the nation's defense forces.