Kiir took defense ministry from Machar to ‘safeguard’ national security – Mahmoud Solomon

JUBA, MARCH t5, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – President Salva Kiir Mayardit had decided to take away the ministry of defense from the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) earlier last month for him to safeguard the country’s national security, according to former deputy minister of interior Mahmoud Solomon.

Kiir on March 3, 2023, removed Angelina Teny of the SPLM-IO as minister of defense and Mahmoud Solomon of the SPLM-IG as minister of interior. The president then swapped the two ministries saying the defense portfolio would then be controlled by the SPLM-IG and gave away the ministry of interior to the SPLM-IO.

First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny who is also the leader of the main armed opposition SPLM-IO condemned the sacking of his wife and termed it a violation of the revitalized peace agreement under which arrangement it is provided that the defense ministry should be filled by someone selected by the SPLM-IO under Machar.

In a statement reacting to his removal, Mahmoud Solomon welcomed the decision by President Kiir, praising the head of state for entrusting him with the position and further welcomed the decision to remove the ministry of defense from the hands of SPLM-IO saying it was done in line with needs of the national security.

“I would like to take this opportunity to present to you my sincere gratitude and appreciation for giving me the opportunity to serve our Nation as the Minister of Interior for the last one-and- a-half year of service under your able leadership. I am humbled by the trust you bestowed upon me,” he said in a statement dated March 30^th.

“Following swapping of the Ministry of Interior with the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs, a sovereign decision taken in the spirit of the R-ARCISS to safeguard our National Security, I want to reaffirm my faith and unwavering support to your leadership at all times and reassure you of my utmost commitment to the Mission and Objectives of our great Party, the SPLM.

“I shall always remain grateful for this opportunity, and I am ready to serve any call of duty in any other capacity where I can advance the mission of our SPLM Party and that of your administration.

“Once again, I would like to commend your Able Leadership for continuously working towards achieving peace and stability in our nation and wish you all the best in implementing the R- ARCISS road map towards attainment of a lasting peace in our beloved country,” he added.