South Sudan’s army (South Sudan People’s Defense Forces) in the truck heading to the border with DRC as part of the regional force to counter the insurgents in the neighboring DR Congo as part of the regional effort to quell the conflict in Eastern DR Congo. |Courtesy photo|
By Vincent Samuel,
South Sudan’s ministry of defense and veterans’ affairs downplayed the recent social media criticism that Defense Minister Chol Thon Balok neglected the army’s quest for salary after spending many months without payments.
The video circulating on social media shows the Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs Chol Thon Balok, and the Bangladeshi retired Brigadier, Shamim Kamal sitting together and discussing plans to procure new army uniforms.
The viral social media video triggered widespread criticism from the commoners who blasted the defense minister and accused him of neglecting the payment of the salary arrears of the army and the wounded soldiers.
“The video in question depicts a meeting between General Chol Thon Balok and Brigadier Shamim Kamal discussing fabric options as seen in normal colors for the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) uniform. It has been brought to our attention that the content of the video has been misrepresented and misconstrued,” the statement read.
In a press statement signed by Executive Director Andrew Monyluk Riak, the defense ministry alleged that the video was recorded without the consent of one of the Bangladeshi delegates present during the meeting.
The ministry emphasized that the recording and subsequent dissemination of this video were unauthorized and did not reflect the official stance or intentions of the ministry or its officials.
“First and foremost, the fabric samples being reviewed were not for personal attire but for the purpose of enhancing the quality of military uniforms for the SSPDF. It is imperative to clarify that the minister’s engagement in this matter is part of his commitment to ensuring the best possible equipment and attire for our armed forces,” the statement read.
Defense ministry stressed that Brigadier Kamal’s involvement stems from his previous service with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and his subsequent return to South Sudan as a businessman specializing in fabric production for the SSPDF.
“His expertise and experience are valuable assets in this endeavor,” the defense ministry added.
It argued that the accusations regarding the minister’s alleged neglect of army salary issues are unfounded, saying delay of salaries was not under the responsibility of the defense minister.
“The delay in salary disbursement is a complex administrative matter that does not fall under the direct responsibility of the defense minister. It is important to note that the minister has actively advocated for the improvement of army wages within the parliamentary network.”
“The ministry of defense views attacks on the minister as an attack on the institution as a whole. Consequently, administrative measures are being taken to address the misinformation propagated by Molana Majok Majak through appropriate channels,” it concluded.
Finance and Planning Minister Awow Daniel Chuang said the government would not be able to pay the salaries and the arrears because of limited sources of non-oil revenues.
Minister Awow disclosed that the National Revenue Authority (NRA) has limited capacity to collect enough revenues to pay the salaries of the civil servants who have already gone many months without salaries.
“What we are collecting is around 25 or 30 billion; for you to accumulate this, you need at least three or four months to get a one-month salary. If you make NRA function in other states, collection will be double to cover salaries,” Awow asserted while addressing the parliamentary session on Wednesday, 22 May.
