South Sudan partially pulls out army from Juba

November 23, 2015 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese government announced pulling out and redeploying more than 250 soldiers outside capital, Juba, apparently in compliance with the implementation of the security arrangements which demanded demilitarization of the national capital and other towns.

Major General Samson Mabior Lual, who is an assistant to the deputy chief of general staff for operations, told reporters at a news conference on Monday in Juba that more than 250 men and women are going to be relocated to Magiri area, located 25 km from Juba in compliance with the security arrangements.

“As you have seen behind me the forces are ready and this is the first arrangement. We are now on the implementation of the security arrangement of major towns and the towns are Juba, Bor, Malakal and Bentiu,” he announced.

Speaking at the same function, spokesman of the government forces, Colonel Philip Aguer, said only 4,380 forces according to the security arrangements and ceasefire agreement will remain in Juba to provide protection to vital installations and key government officials during the interim period.

“Today the 23rd November, 2015 the SPLA General Headquarters is implementing the security arrangement and ceasefire agreement that stipulated the redeployment of forces from Juba to a distance of 25 km outside Juba town,” Aguer told reporters on Monday.

“This has started today by SPLA headquarters redeploying ground forces from Juba starting with 250 forces that are heading to Magiri, a distance of 25 km,” he said.

Observers said the government tried to coincide the now postponed IGAD regional summit in Juba with the redeployment of the forces so as to score a point in the compliance with the implementation of the security arrangements.

A joint police force of 3,000 men and women with each party contributing 1,500 was supposed to be deployed in the capital, Juba, to provide security of the city.

A joint military force composed of units from the two parties was also supposed to deploy in the capital, making the total joint military force 4,380.

(ST)