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Gen. Olony appointed army’s chief of mobilization and disarmament

Author: Elshiekh Chol Ajeing | Published: January 21, 2025

Gen. Johnson Olony speaks with President Kiir June 7, 2023 - Credit: Office of the President

The South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) has confirmed the appointment of Lt. Gen. Johnson Olony as Assistant of Chief of Defense Forces for Mobilization and Disarmament, tasked with dismantling illegal checkpoints and disarming civilians in the country.

Gen. Olony, a former commander of the defunct Agwelek militia group, is assigned the role after President Salva Kiir commissioned 12 former SPLA- IO officers and commanders including him and confirmed their ranks into the SSPDF.

Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai said the move is part of the implementation of a January 2022 agreement between the SPLM IG and Agwelek.

“Johnson Olony Thabo has been appointed Assistant Chief of Defense Forces for Mobilization and Disarmament. Of course, his appointment has been given to him under very clear terms,” Lul said in an interview with Eye Radio.

Gen. Lul said the appointee has been fully authorized and given the power to carry out disarmament of illegal firearms in the hands of the country’s civil population.

He was also mandated to permanently dismantle illegal checkpoints on the roads and along the river Nile.

“On the terms of his appointment; he has been fully authorized and given power to carry out disarmament of illegal firearms in the hands of civil population within the country.”

“He is also authorized to permanently dismantle illegal checkpoints on the roads and along the river Nile. Thirdly, to perform another task as may be assigned to him by the leadership of the SSPDF.”

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