President Salva Kiir, the Commander in Chief of the Organized Forces - Courtesy

President Salva Kiir is calling on members of the organized forces to be inspired by the “rich” doctrine of the SPLA in protecting the citizens and their properties.

Kiir made the remarks in his message on the fortieth anniversary of the formation of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army on Tuesday.

On the historic day, the head of state is also calling on the citizens to remember the sacrifices that have been made in the painful journey to statehood.

“To all our organized forces, I commend you for your dedication to duty and call upon you to draw your inspiration on the rich tradition of the SPLA as you work to protect our citizens and their properties,” Kiir said in a statement.

“It is also in the same sacrifices that we drive our determination to continue working to realize the ideals we fought for, despite numerous challenges we are facing as a people today.”

President Kiir – who led the country to its independence in July 2011 – added that the SPLA in its character was and still is a people’s army – and that this character was reflected in its composition.

He also called on the citizens to salute all the SPLA formations from battalions 105 and 104, Jamus, Tiger and Timsa, Koryom, Mour-Mour, Kazuk, Zal Zal, Intifadah, Intisar, and all other units and formations who answered the national call.

Kiir went on to call on South Sudanese to salute the officers who led these formations and more importantly Dr. John Garang de Mabior who organized the struggle towards the attainment of the aspirations of a free and independent South Sudan.

President Kiir further reiterated his commitment to restoring stability and implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, and that the country will go for elections next year as agreed in the 24-month roadmap.