Kiir Flags off over 700 South Sudan Soldiers to DR Congo

President Salva Kiir on Wednesday flagged off South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) troops joining the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in the peacekeeping mission in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The 720 SSPDF officers from different units are now part of the East Africa regional task force.

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The components of military police, military intelligence, signal corps, engineering corps, administration, logistics and infantry units – underwent four months of training in Juba.

According to Eye Radio Juba, they are set to be airlifted to DR Congo soon, but the date has not been mentioned.

President Salva Kiir directed the forces to exercise discipline and be good soldiers in DR Congo.

South Sudan People’s Defense Force Battalion of 720 soldiers set to take part in the DRC peacekeeping operation. (Photo: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio).

Addressing the 720 soldiers at the Army Headquarters in Bilpam, Kiir also urged them to represent South Sudan well.

“Go with discipline as good soldiers. It is a similar reason that you are going to Congo today, we have something here called UNMISS, UNISFA, and many more. We have all these here because of the fight you did here,” he is quoted by Eye Radio as saying.

He added: “SPLA during the liberation struggle was very disciplined. I don’t want you to go and cause chaos or disorder, don’t go and engage in the raping of women and girls. Don’t go and take properties of others in shops, or from civilians, that is not what you are there for.”

South Sudan has sent its staffing officers ahead of its soldiers’ deployment.

Burundi and Kenya have sent their troops while Uganda is expected to deploy its soldiers soon.