SPLA has denied that its Deputy Chief of General Staff for Logistics and Research General Thomas Cirilo has vowed to join his community to fight land grabbers.

The army spokesman says this report was carried by a daily newspaper more than a week ago, alleging that Gen Cirilo said he would fight for his community to defend land in Rajaf, in Juba.

Information about the said land grabbers and the exact land is unclear.

Brig Lul Ruai Koang says the report also referred to a surprise visit to General Cirilo at his village by President Salva Kiir and Vice President James Wani.

He told a news conference in Juba today that it is not the duty of the army to fight land grabbers.

“There is no military [officer] in the world that receives orders or directives from his community and therefore the statement was untrue an unfounded,” Brig Ruai told Eye Radio.

He added that Gen Cirilo has been turning up for duty at the army headquarters and had not threatened to leave the army to fight over land.