South Sudan needs single army, DC Spokesman

By Awan Achiek

The opposition Democratic Change Party (CD), led by Onyoti Adigo Nyikuac, on Friday called for the formation of a single army to address the ongoing political and security challenges in the country.

Magod Maker Mayindi, spokesman of the Democratic Change Party, stressed the need to unify all armed forces under one commander-in-chief, President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

“We call upon political parties with military wings to distance themselves from their armies and unify all armed forces under one commander-in-chief,” Maker said at a press conference held to mark the 16th anniversary of the party in Juba.

Maker stated that the presence of various political parties with military wings undermines peace negotiations and hinders efforts to achieve stability in the country.

“Now you have seen for yourself all the fighting that is going on. We always call for a peaceful political dialogue in our country, but it will be hard for those who are armed to negotiate peacefully,” he said.

He noted that the presence of various armed groups, including those associated with political parties, has contributed to widespread violence and instability in the country.

“An example of having different armies is what has happened in Nasir County. The army was not under one single command; they were receiving orders from different commanders-in-chief.”

He believed a unified army would help regulate and control armed groups, thus reducing the risk of further violence.

He said the country has four commanders-in-chief, including President Salva Kiir as commander-in-chief of the SSPDF, Dr. Riek Machar of the SPLA-IO, SSOA, and OPP.

“If we have only one single command, it will be easier for coordination and giving orders, and they will be answerable to that one command. So, we say that we are not calling for them to leave politics.”

Faiza Mathew Deng, Secretary General of Democratic Change, emphasised the importance of the party advocating for peace and stability.

“As members of the Democratic Change Party, we need peace and security. We also need stability. One of the goals of the party is to establish a country without insecurity,” Mathew said.

She expressed the party’s readiness to participate in the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 2026.

“We don’t have a military wing, but we are pursuing our political agenda peacefully. We don’t cause problems; that is why we are here today,” she said.