April 27, 2020 (Nyamilepedia) — General Mathew Puljang, former commander of Special Forces, said in a statement on Monday that he requested his forces be integrated into the South Sudan army’s Fourth Infantry Division in Unity state.
This comes after reports that he refused to report to SSPDF headquarters in Bilpam after army chief General Gabriel Jok Riak ordered that he return to the headquarters and have his forces integrated into division four command.
In the statement extended to Nyamilepedia this evening, Gen. Puljang said reports that he refused to report to Juba were not true saying he himself requested the action to have his forces handed over to division.
“I would like to refute the allegations made against me on social media that I, Maj. Gen Mathew Puljang Top refused to report myself to SSPDF GHQs for further deployment and some says that I refused to come to Juba after the merging of Special operations with Division Four (DIV 4),” he said.
‘I want the people of South Sudan to treat this as a cheap allegations and dumbfounded propaganda from the enemy of peace and stability of the country.
“I would like to assure you that I’m still loyal and patriotic to defend the constitution of this nation and my unwavering support towards the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. Gen Salva Kiir Mayardit will never cease because of Changes in Command.
“Special operation was formed by the government under territory of Division Four and the same government also have right to merge it under one command again.
“Changes happens everywhere and everyone had gone through the same scenario, why not me then? It is the nature of military to make changes. Who said that I’m going to be permanent in Mayom as Special operation commander without being changed?
“The reason why I called for the merging of Special operation with Division Four is because I don’t want my people to kill themselves with no clear and valid reasons and some Bul politicians want to use it as means of threatening the government for their political gains. For that reason I prefer its merging.
“I served in SPLA for many years and I commanded so many units, Companies and battalions and changes were part of my military career. I’m one of those Generals who welcome change.”
