Phillip Aguer on Eye Radio's Dawn Show - Feb 19, 2014.

The army says it is not going to replace those soldiers who have defected since the beginning of the unrest.

The SPLA Spokesperson, Colonel Philip Aguer, told Eye Radio’s Dawn Show that the army is being restructured and re-organized.

“It’s after the conflict when you can talk about reorganization and restructuring of the army, which the Republic of South Sudan must be capable of doing,” said Col Aguer.

“Otherwise, if you don’t properly restructure the army to represent the nature of the nation and to represent the security requirement of the country, then we will still be facing security threats and gaps.”

Col. Aguer reiterated that the SPLA is a national army, that it is nonpartisan, a “nonparty army”.

However, he said “there is nothing wrong with the government’s mobilization” efforts.

Vice-President James Wani Igga has urged citizens to voluntarily register with the SPLA, Kajo-Keji county commissioner’s press secretary told Eye Radio yesterday.

Colonel Aguer said the situation in Malakal town is fragile following fighting between government forces and forces loyal to Dr. Riek Machar, which erupted yesterday.