SPLA to constitutionally transition to SSPDF

JUBA – The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs has called for the amendment of the Transitional Constitutional Bill to transition the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) to the current South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF).

“The purpose of this bill is to amend the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan Article 97 Sub-Article 3 and Article 150 Sub-Article 1 and 2 of 2011 as amended which changes SPLA to SSPDF and other related articles,” said Reuben Madol Arol.

He made the remarks while tabling the amendment bill before the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly in Juba Thursday.

The amendments of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan were recently approved by the Council of Ministers.

“This Bill is drafted in accordance with the provisions of the revitalized peace agreement which gives power to the Presidency to initiate constitutional amendment and the transitional national legislature to ratify the amendment,” said Madol.

South Sudan since winning independence in 2011 from northern neighbor Sudan has been relying on the Transitional Constitution 2011.

Since its unofficial transition to the from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army to South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, the national army came under scrutiny for attempting to be a copycat of regional forces.