

South Sudan: Ministry of Defense & Veterans Affairs – Press Release (16.02.2024)

















The Force Commander inspected an Honour Guard by peacekeepers from Nepal deployed in Rumbek, following which he went to meet state Governor, General Rin Tueny Mabor.
LAKES STATE, South Sudan, November 17, 2023 – It’s been a busy November for Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian, Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
From briefing the 27th annual conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centres in Kenya, where he spoke about the vital work done by UN Peacekeeping missions and the importance of protecting civilians caught in complex conflict situations to flying to Lakes state’s capital, Rumbek to get a firsthand update on the security situation on the ground, the top military man at UNMISS is rarely still.
“My primary objective in constantly visiting our deep field locations is simple: you can’t direct Blue Helmets in the world’s largest peacekeeping mission to protect civilians without having an in-depth knowledge of their respective areas of operation,” revealed Force Commander Subramanian.
Upon his arrival, the Force Commander inspected an Honour Guard by peacekeepers from Nepal deployed in Rumbek, following which he went to meet state Governor, General Rin Tueny Mabor.
“Peacekeeping is all about partnerships and we work with the Government and the people of South Sudan to ensure that civilians are safe and receive necessary support. It’s been a fruitful meeting with Governor Mabor where we discussed security aspects as well as the vital work done by UNMISS engineers in infrastructure rehabilitation across Lakes, especially road repairs,” stated Lieutenant-General Subramanian.
In a country where the long rainy season renders most roads impassable, such repairs are vital to ensure humanitarian aid can reach the most vulnerable, communities can trade as well as access medical facilities and, critically, peacekeepers can deploy swiftly to protect those who are caught in conflict or prevent such violence in the first place.
“The work done by uniformed engineers across South Sudan is now more critical than ever, as the country approaches its first post-independence elections,” said the Force Commander.
“A high priority project is the main supply route connecting Lakes state to neighbouring state capitals, Wau and Bentiu. Once finished, not only will this road be a lifeline for communities, but will also enable prompt and expanded security deployment, even during the rainy season,” he averred, adding that the UN Peacekeeping mission would be widening its footprint to 11 additional locations to provide more comprehensive protection in conflict prone areas.
For his part, Governor Mabor, requested assistance in rehabilitating certain key roads in Maper, while welcoming the deployment of UNMISS troops here.
“The rehabilitation of Maper’s roads and infrastructure is essential and with the invaluable support of UNMISS, we look forward to giving momentum to this goal. This collaboration reflects our shared dedication to fostering a secure and prosperous environment for local communities,” stated the Governor.
Before the day came to a close, Force Commander Subramanian also met with military observers serving for peace in Lakes.

“I am receiving concrete information that the #South_Sudan People’s Defense Forces and NSS denials are a lie. Heavy army deployment in and around Juba since Friday night is indeed intended to prevent a coup (probably planned by Akol Koor). More than 20 officers have been arrested” (Patrick Heinisch, 12.11.2023).
Well, everything isn’t well in Juba, South Sudan. The President for Life, Salva Kiir Mayardit isn’t as beloved or popular as he makes himself out to be. The militarism of politics and usage of force to get ahead has caused all of this. While the “Transitional” period and lack of implementation of R-ARCSS is haunting the ruling elite. A ruling elite, which is living on a premiss and a belief that they are beholden to stay in power indefinitely.
A President ruling on decree and without a popular vote is bound to fall eventually. Sooner or later some up-start and wise-guy within the armed ranks will cause a mutiny and get enough commanders on his side. As they are tired, hungry and reckless about the future. In the belief of a new order and a new leadership. Because, the current one isn’t serving anyone, but itself… and using past heroics to defend its existence.
Here is how they described what happened over the weekend:
“Although the general security situation was normal in the capital Juba, security forces could be seen early morning deployed around checkpoints, Juba Airport and the president’s residence, causing tensions among residents of Juba. Lul described the reports of a coup attempt as unfounded allegations. “Those who came up with claims of an attempted coup in Juba are terrible liars, and those are enemies of peace who want to cause panic among the population. If there had been an attempted coup, things could not have become normal like they are now in Juba. Who are the coup plotters, if I may ask them?” Lul said. “Things are now normal in Juba and this is not how things work after an attempt coup. I want to reassure the public that those are lies. The correct version of the story is that we have observed an increased cases of robberies at night. So what we did was a show of force to stop criminals from committing crimes in different residential areas,” he added” (Radio Tamazuj – ‘South Sudan army debunks reports of coup attempt’ 11.11.2023).
We can wonder what happened here over the weekend. Because, something isn’t adding up. Especially, if the reports of arrests and a possible culprit. Then there might have been a mutiny and a failed coup d’etat attempt, as the President was away on a Summit in the Middle East. That would seem possible, because others has tried to do this while the Head of State is abroad. It is known tactic and isn’t a new one.
The culprits are thinking the waters are silent and weakened, as the Head is gone and they can easier access and takeover the vital institutions. They can swiftly take control of checkpoints, military barracks and government institutions within a few hours. Because, the Presidential Guards and others are on duty abroad with the President.
We shouldn’t be shocked if someone wanted to pull this off. As the President has imposed himself for over a decade and yet to give any succession or plan to leave office. He even plans for the election and to legitimize his further reign. That’s why you know there will be disgruntled officers, army commanders and soldiers within the ranks. As they only see a chosen elite and no one else is able to get a better life.
That’s what should worry Kiir and his allies. The prolonged agony will only galvanize others further. If there was a failed coup this weekend. That should be a memo that the SPLM-IG and the other stakeholders in the R-ARCSS and R-TGoNU needs to work fast. They need to reform and show service delivery to the public. If not… they can easily be here again and next time someone could succeed. Peace.

