Southern Sudan militia disbands troops

May 14, 2007 (JUBA) — A southern Sudan militia, the Sudanese peace force, has surrendered its weapons and officially announced to integrate into the civil society.

In line with the policy of implementing the disarmament programme, layoff and integration, the Sudanese peace forces in the towns of Waw and Raja have surrendered their weapons and promised to work in the field of implementing the security arrangement of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

This came following a ceremony organized on Monday by the joint commission between the Sudan armed forces, Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement and the UN in the towns of Waw and Raja.

The ceremony was addressed by the armed force commanders, politicians and administrators who said that they were cooperating in the fields of security arrangements as stipulated in the CPA which has taken a progressing steps in southern Sudan.

At least 600 officers affiliated to armed groups have surrendered their weapons in a bid to implement the articles of the disarmament programme, layoff and integration.

(ST)