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General

David Manyok Barac Atem
Major General David Manyok addressing soldiers.
Born
Manyok Barac Atem

1 January 1959
Died26 February 2021
Juba, South Sudan
NationalitySouth Sudanese
CitizenshipSouth Sudanese
OccupationSoldier
EmployerSouth Sudan People Defense Forces (SSPDF)
Notable workFought for the Liberation of the Republic of South Sudan
TitleMajor General
MovementSudan People Liberation Movement/Army (SPLA/M)

David Manyok Barac Atem (January 1, 1959 – February 26, 2021) was a distinguished senior military leader from South Sudan. He held the rank of Major General within the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF), previously recognized as the Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA). General Atem played a pivotal role in the Second Sudanese Civil War, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of South Sudan as an independent nation. David joined the Jamus Battalion on May 16, 1983, when fighting broke out in Bor. In January 2021, he was deployed to the SSPDF General headquarters in Bilpham by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and as the Director of Administration, Personnel, and Finance by the Commander in Chief of the SSPDF Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit. He held the position for nearly a month, until his death due to COVID-19.[1]

Atem's family lived in Bor up until his death in February of 2021.

Military training

In July 1983, David Manyok Barac apparently left Bor town to join the liberation struggle in Ethiopia where SPLA/M was formed. By default, he 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 his graduation from the signal unit, he was given the rank 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.

Atem standing in a military farm in Renk, South Sudan

In 1985, he graduated from the SPLA Institute of Revolutionary War Studies (Cadet) where he was commissioned with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

Among other advanced military training, he reportedly participated in the senior command training on leadership and military change in 2020.

Military experience, promotions, deployments, and achievements

Promotion

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References

  1. ^ "SSPDF's division 1 commander dies of COVID-19 in Juba". Sudans post. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
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