President Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed the army to abstain from political involvement and instead concentrate on its constitutional duty of defending the country, its citizens, and their assets.

The President issued this directive on Thursday during a leadership transfer at the Military Headquarters in Bilpham.

The event marked Gen. Paul Nang Majok’s formal assumption of the Chief of Defence Forces position, succeeding Gen. Dau Aturjong Nyuol.

According to a statement posted by the Office of the Presidnet on Facebook, Kiir emphasized the importance of discipline within the armed forces and urged the new army leadership to maintain the military’s transformation agenda.

He also instructed the new leadership to prioritize soldiers’ welfare, serve the nation with integrity and loyalty, and collaborate to ensure peace, security, and national harmony.

Last week, Majok was appointed as the new military chief following the dismissal of Aturjong, who had served in the position for three months.

This change is particularly notable as Kiir had previously sacked Majok in July, after he had served seven months in the post, and replaced him with Aturjong at that time.