![SSPDF Spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/375966544_10160572506766001_5699577919962291684_n.jpg?resize=1546%2C965&ssl=1)
In a statement on Tuesday, SSPDF spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the rumors circulating on social media are “categorically dismissed” and that the army is “ready to receive the salaries when its due regardless of whether adjustments are made or not.”
The rumors had circulated on social media, with some people claiming that the soldiers were protesting the low salaries and demanding a higher increase.
When contacted by Sudans Post, Lul said the rumors are “baseless” and that the army was “committed to ensuring the welfare of its personnel.”
He said the army was aware of the high cost of living in South Sudan and that it was working with political leaders to improve the salaries of its soldiers.
The SSPDF is the largest and most powerful armed force in South Sudan. It is responsible for defending the country’s borders and protecting its citizens.
The army has been struggling to pay its soldiers in recent years due to financial constraints. In 2022, the government of South Sudan announced a 100% salary increase for its soldiers before a proposed increment of 400 percent was approved by parliament this year.
South Sudan is in a economic crisis and which has had a devastating impact on the lives of ordinary South Sudanese, including soldiers. Many soldiers are struggling to make ends meet and are unable to provide for their families.
In accordance with the aforementioned statement beings aired out by so called SSPDF Spokeperson, Maj, General, Lul Ruai, in actually sense, the most victim in our Country SOUTH Sudan, are soldiers, to me even if they have decided now to protest or demonstrate their pay raise to me it could be their right to do so, once the current regime does actually care for the lives of its armies and civilians, according to my personally observation on Lul Ruai Koang, he has been always defended things which are known to the general public, to me when will it actually end my dear Cde?
Furthermore, I can say that let the soldiers pay raise be working out the concerned body today not tomorrow such that they (soldiers) can be able to feed their family members.