“You cannot wear two hats” – SSPDF chief warns serving officers against contesting elections

The SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces, General Santino Deng Wol, has warned serving military officers against contesting in the upcoming elections while still in active service.

General Wol made the remarks this week during a general parade at the SSPDF headquarters in Juba.

He said officers who intend to contest elections or take up political positions must first resign from the army.

“You cannot wear two hats. The hat I am wearing is a military hat, and you cannot wear another hat for politics at the same time. We are heading towards elections. If you are a military officer, remain committed to the military. If you are a politician, remain committed to politics. During the elections, we do not want serving military officers to engage in politics,” Gen. Wol ordered.

The warning comes as the country prepares for general elections scheduled for December 22, 2026, amid reports that some senior military officers are interested in contesting for political positions.

General Wol said serving military personnel must remain focused on their duties and avoid active political participation while in uniform.

“We want you to tell us now if you intend to go into politics. Do not wait and create confusion among citizens and politicians. If you want to enter politics and contest for parliament, governor, or commissioner, tell us in advance so that we can give you your release from the army and allow you to participate in politics,” he said.

General Wol has previously urged SSPDF personnel to remain neutral and refrain from political activities while in uniform.

“Politics should not be mixed with the military. We are heading towards elections, and we do not want any serving military officer to contest in the elections. The President is the head of the military and has the authority to direct the army accordingly,” he added.

The issue has also emerged within political parties as they prepare for the December elections.

On Thursday, the Secretary-General of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), Akol Paul Koordit, said active members of the armed forces and other organized forces are prohibited from participating in the party’s political activities.

The SSPDF has not publicly identified the officers reportedly interested in contesting the elections.

The December 22 polls are expected to be the country’s first general elections since independence in 2011.