![South Sudan President Salva Kiir (L) leaves after attending the commemoration of Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) Day at the SPLA headquarters in Juba, South Sudan, on May 18, 2017, during the commemoration of SPLA Day.[Photo via Getty Images]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/gettyimages-684397002-2048x2048-1.jpg?ssl=1)
According to the officers, around 187 former members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) who left the group in June 2014 to join the South Sudan army along with Gen. Gai Yoach were promoted into new rank, starting from second lieutenant to Major-General.
“The promotion came last week because since we joined the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, we have not been confirmed or promoted. After the president confirmed us, he promoted us from the rank of major to the rank of lieutenant colonel,” one of those promoted told Sudans Post last evening.
Another former SPLA-IO fighter, turned SSPDF soldier, expressed his happiness to President Kiir for living up to his promise which he said when the group broke away from First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny’s SPLM-IO.
“We are very happy that the president has respected his promise because when we joined the SSPDF, he promised through our leader Gen. Gai Yoach Dong that he will promote and confirm us within the SSPDF,” the officer said.
“So, I am happy with the president,” he added.
