Military advance team in Wau for graduation of unified forces

November 2, 2022 (WAU) – An advance team of the military high command are in South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal capital, Wau to prepare for graduation of the country’s unified forces.

The team, led by head of the Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) in Bahr el Ghazal region Lt. Gen. Garang Ayii Akol arrived on Wednesday for Friday’s event.

“I have arrived in Wau town for graduation of the unified forces on Friday. This graduation will include all the forces at the training centers in greater Bahr el Ghazal, the army in Mapel, Pantit and the organized forces in Masna Biira,” said Akol.

He added, “Our high officials will come from Juba led by the presidential advisor Tut Gatluak Manime and the national minister for Defense, minister of Interior, minister of Wildlife and the Western Bahr el Ghazal state governor”.

Akol said most of the forces have received their uniforms meant for Friday’s occasion, further adding that the second phase of the training forces will begin after graduation.

South Sudan army’s (SSPDF) director for information, Major Gen Malak Ayuen confirmed Friday’s event, saying “We are inviting everyone to come attend the event”.

At least 10,000 soldiers, military officials said, will graduate on Friday.

South Sudan, according to the 2018 peace accord, is to train and graduate a unified force of 83,000 personnel to take charge of security during its transitional period.

(ST)