Tribute to SPLA Army as it Celebrates and Commemorates its 31st Anniversary
My personal tribute to SPLA army as it celebrates and commemorates its 31stAnniversary
James Monyluak Mijok Thon
Dated: May 16, 201
As the Republic of South Sudan is celebrating and commemorating the 31st anniversary of SPLA army today, Friday, May 16, 2014 since it was formed as a mass resistance movement to liberate the marginalized Sudanese masses, which has materialized, I personally want to pay my personal tribute to our men and women in uniform who are the watchdog of this newest nation.
I salute you all, both dead and living Comrades for your unwavering commitment, determination, and continuing volunteerism in serving us, the people of our Republic South Sudan. I salute all our countless martyrs who have paid the ultimate price in making sure that we have a nation that accommodates our diverse ethnicities, communities, and different backgrounds, etc.
In this regard, I salute all our SPLA files and ranks of different Divisions and Battalions, especially the 104 & 105 which rebelled on the May 16, 1983 in Mading Bor, Akobo, Ayod and Pochalla under the command of Late Commander Kerubino Kuanyin Bol and Late Commander William Nyuon Bany Machar. Their actions of refusing to be transferred to Northern Sudan, but rebelled against the Khartoum regime order depicted their nationalism and patriotism. Had they choose not to act bravely or if they did not refuse to surrender to the enemy, as it was planned by Khartoum Islamists, no one would have followed their suits to the bush and we would n’t be where we are today.
Equally important, my salute also goes to Jammus, Tiger, Timsah, Koryom, Mour-Mour, Kazuk, and Zalzal battalions who laid a firm foundation in Bilpam, the first SPLA Training Camp and launched the first military offensive at Malual Gaothoth Upper Nile, on November 17, 1983.
Salute to fallen heroes and heroines
Lastly, I salute all the commanding officers, including, but not limited to the following Comrades: Late Dr. John Garang de Mabior, Late Kerubino Kunayin Bol, Late William Nyuon Bany, Late Bol Agany, Late Francis Ngor Ngor, Late Arok Thon Arok, Late George Athor Deng Dut, Late Wilson Kur Chol, late Joseph Hawori Oduho, Late Martin Majier Gai, Late Martin Manyiel Ayuel, Late Yusif Kwa Mekki, Late Galerio Modi Horinyang, Late Nyachigak Ng’achiluk, Late Peter Panhom Thanyping, Later Samuel Ater Dak, Late Comrade Ageer Gum, Late Luol Chol and the list goes on.
I want also to salute the few living Comrades such as Gen. Kiir Mayardit, Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, Gen. James Hoth Mai, Gen. Daniel Awet Akot, Gen. Obuto Mamour, Gen. Oyai Deng Ajak, Gen. Pieng Deng Kuol, Gen. Chol Thon, Gen. John Kong Nyuon, Gen. Mayiik Jau, Gen. Malong Awan, Gen. Matur Chut, Gen. Louis Lobong, Gen. Yasir Arman, Gen. Mlalik Agar, Gen. Abdallah-Aziz Adam E. and so many other Generals. Your contributions resulted into CPA in general and independence of South Sudan in particular. We would not have achieved the freedom and all the things that we are enjoying now in our country and beyond if it was not your ultimate sacrifices.
Factors that led to our success
Now, today, an ignorant South Sudanese on the street or somewhere else would argue that the independence of this nation was merely achieved through 2011 referendum votes without considering the enormous and other important and collective roles we all made at various times and spaces. The armed struggle and the referendum vote were the beginning and conclusion of a just liberation and struggle among other things that brought this beautiful nation of ours.
Our Diaspora communities, the underground networks, students and workers uprisings, our rural communities, our women and youths (Red Army), and all faith-based groups, among other elements cemented and added more profound commitment and determination of the SPLA armed forces and the visionary leadership of the SPLM/A high command that eventually culminated into a sounding victory over a determined enemies of peace (Islamic fundamentalists and Jihadists of Northern Sudan.)
In other words, we should always be appreciative to ourselves collectively rather than being bias and exclusive. The liberation of South Sudan was a collective effort and this country ought to be built on collectively basis.
The SPLA army faces numerous challenges to continue protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of South Sudan
Many would agree with me that the current trends of the SPLA army reveal alarming challenges facing the institution to better and effectively safeguards the constitution of South Sudan. Some of the challenges it faces include military transformation or modernization from being guerrilla or irregular army into conventional or traditional army, which underscores, but not limited to the following examples (professionalism, organization, capabilities, duties, responsibilities, and effectiveness,) logistics and supplies, tribal allegiance or loyalty, and underpayment and delayment of salaries payment. These are few of the challenges the institution faces and need urgent attention and solutions given the current political escape of the country and that of the region as well.
Many believe that SPLA army needs more transformational programs such as effective training, be armed to the teeth–be equipped both mentally, logistically, physically and materially to better protect the constitution of the country as required.
The expected role of newly appointed Chief of the SPLA Army, Gen. Paul Malong Awan
Without prejudice, I want to salute comrade James Hoth Mai, former Chief of SPLA army for his long contribution in making sure that SPLA remain the people army to always fight on behalf of South Sudanese and other marginalized Sudanese masses. I, like many other South Sudanese do congratulate him for the achievements he has achieved so far during his services.
I congratulate Gen. Malong on his appointment to lead our Mighty Army, the SPLA in these difficult days ahead of us. I believe that Gen. Malong has a living military and civilian leadership track records of commitment and determination. The SPLA army and South Sudanese would always count on Gen. Malong and he can too count on his men and women in uniform and the nation.
Gen. Malong needs to clean up all the messes left behind in Bilpam by his predecessors so that the SPLA meets the international standard of sovereign army entrusted with the constitutional mandate of protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of South Sudan. He needs to improve a lot of things at this critical movement in our history. Military transformation, equip the SPLA in all aspects, raise their wages to a certain level, pay them on time, improve the SPLA administration at large, and be a situational leader where decisions are made based on a given situation by using a common sense that solve and works for that particular situation…he needs to be a good listener, works with all stakeholders, establish good communication with field commanders, and advise the politicians in regards to the SPLA challenges and needs accordingly and in a timely manner.
I also want to pay tribute to the remaining founding member of the SPLM/A, Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit for his personal conviction for South Sudan and without him, this country would not be an independence country today.
In conclusion, I personally salute from the bottom of my heart the ultimate contributions by our departed brothers and sisters in general and Dr. John Garang De Mabior in particular. You did not die in vain, but you died for a just cause. Your work will always be remembered and advanced by generations to come.
Finally, we need to remain united as one people and one nation as we have always been. This current crisis will one day end, we will rebuild communities, we will recover, we will emerge stronger and we will be resilient once more.
Thank and have a wonderful 31st Birthday.
James Monyluak Mijok Thon
SPLM Canada National Secretariat Secretary
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