The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesperson, Major General Lul Ruai Koang has denied reports that several forces deployed in Congo as part of regional forces to keep peace in troubled Congo.
According to a source in Yambio, About 50 SSPDF soldiers deserted the mission and were stationed in parts of Western Equatoria State after a disagreement over the salary structure. The source alleged that South Sudan Defence Forces officials visited SSPDF en route to Congo last week and briefed the soldiers on the salary structure.
“The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and senior army officials visited the forces stationed at the border post of Nabiapai 54 miles away from Yambio. Upon the visit the CDF addressed the forces by saying that he has a message from the Parliament of South Sudan to the forces. He began by saying that the parliament has approved the following salary scale for the Regional Forces as follows: Private soldier 200$, Line corporel 220$, Corporal 230$, Sgt 240$, S/M 250$, Warrent officer 260$, 2nd, Lt 270$,1st Lt 280$, Captain 290$, Major 300$, Lt. Col 310 $, while the highest paid officer is a Col. getting 320$,” a source in Yambio told Hot in Juba.
According to the source, some soldiers are deserting their bases after learning that their counterparts from other East African countries earn at least $1500 for the lowest rank officer.
Lul Ruai, while speaking to HIJ reporter, said that no soldier had deserted any base in Western Equatoria and clarified the salary structure.
“No soldier has deserted any base. The soldiers in Yambio are waiting for clearance. Some soldier’s paperwork were mixed up, leading delaying in the processing of their papers to enter Congo. The salary structure is a different case. Regional forces don’t have uniform salary structure. Every country pays for its soldiers. These soldiers going to Congo get better pay than soldiers across South Sudan,” Lul told Thejubamirror News