David Manyok Barac Atem
David Manyok Barac Atem (died 26 February 2021) was a senior South Sudanese military figure; a Major General in South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) formerly known as The Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA).[1] He contributed to the liberation struggle that birthed South Sudan.
General David Manyok Barac Atem | |
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![]() Major General David Manyok addressing soldiers. | |
Born | Atem - Manyok Barac Atem |
Died | 26 February 2021 Juba, South Sudan |
Nationality | South Sudanese |
Citizenship | South Sudanese |
Occupation | Soldier |
Employer | South Sudan People Defense Forces (SSPDF) |
Notable work | Fought for the Liberation of the Republic of South Sudan |
Title | Major General |
Movement | Sudan People Liberation Movement/Army (SPLA/M) |
David joined and became a member of the Jamus Battalion on 16 May 1983 when fighting broke out in Bor, where his family lived up to his sudden demise on 26 February 2021 in Juba where he was deployed to the SSPDF General headquarters in Bilpam by the President of the Republic of South Sudan and the Commander in Chief of the SSPDF Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit as the Director of Administration, Personnel and Finance. He held this position for nearly a month before his departure.
Military training
In July 1983, David Manyok Barac left Bor town to join the liberation struggle in Ethiopia where SPLA/M was formed. He, by default, became one of the founders of the new organization. In 1983, immediately after the formation of the SPLA/M, he attended the first SPLA training in Signal-Communication and Electronic Warfare (CEW) in Zinc, Gambella, Ethiopia where he specialized in decoding and graduated as a specialist in the Signal Unit. Upon this graduation from the signal unit, he was given the rank of a non-commissioned officer of sergeant. In 1984, he attended SPLA Institute of Revolutionary War Studies (Cadet) training where he received a Diploma in Military Science and War Studies in Bonga, Ethiopia, Shield One. In 1985, he graduated from the SPLA Institute of Revolutionary War Studies (Cadet) where he was commissioned with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. In 2020, he attended the senior command training on leadership and military transformation among other high-level military training.
Military experience, promotions, deployments and achievements
Promotion
In 1983, served as a decipher clerk, sergeant in 1984, served as 2nd Lt. in 1985, served as 1st Lt. in 1987 – 1991, served as Captain in 1992 – 1997, he served as Alternate Commander and in 1997 he was promoted to the SPLA Rank of Commander. The rank he held up to July 2005 when the SPLA Military Ranking System was assessed and converted into a conventional military system. In 2005 – 2010, he served as Brigadier General. In 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Major General; the rank he held until his death on Friday, 26th, February 2021.
References
- "SSPDF's division 1 commander dies of COVID-19 in Juba | THE JUBA MIRROR". 26 February 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
- Momodu, Samuel. "SECOND SUDANESE CIVIL WAR (1983-2005)". BLACK PAST. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- "South Sudanese journalist released after detention in Wau". Sudan Tribune. 22 June 2015. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- "Media Monitoring Report, 15 November 07" (PDF). UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SUDAN (UNMIS). Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- Ali, Jamal (26 February 2021). "SSDF Gen Manyok Barach dies today after Short illnes". Retrieved 13 April 2021.