David Manyok Barac Atem
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.
General David Manyok Barac Atem | |
|---|---|
 Major General David Manyok addressing soldiers. | |
| Born | Atem - Manyok Barac Atem 1 January 1959 |
| 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 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.
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
- In 1983, served as a decipher clerk
- Sergeant in 1984
- Served as 2nd Lt. in 1985
- Served as 1st Lt. 1987 – 1991
- Served as Captain in 1992 – 1997
- 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.
- Brigadier General from 2005 – 2010
- In 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Major General.
References
- "SSPDF's division 1 commander dies of COVID-19 in Juba". Sudans post. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
- Momodu, Samuel (23 December 2018). "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.