JUBA – South Sudan’s former chief of staff Gen. Gabriel Jok Riak has welcomed his dismissal by President Salva Kiir on Monday saying the most respected army chief has no problem being dismissed saying he is happy to have served his people.
General Gabriel Jok Riak who is respected for being a disciplined soldier was dismissed on Monday and replaced by President Salva Kiir with his deputy, General Johnson Juma Okot, who hails from South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria state’s Magwi county.
In a statement this afternoon on his Facebook page, Gen. Jok Riak said he is relieved and happy after his dismissal.
“I wholeheartedly welcome the bold decision or decree made by the president and the Commander in Chief. I am now the most relieved, happiest; and a normal citizen of this beloved country,” he said.
The ex-army chief went on to congratulate successor Gen. Johnson popularly known as JJ, adding that his assurance of loyalty and dedication to the new chief and the president will remain 100%.
Gen. Jok Riak was removed without explanation – apart from the President citing his constitutional powers to appoint and remove army officials.
He had been leading the army since he took office around May 2018, after the death of his predecessor, Gen James Ajong’o.
