Sudan SPLA troops to enter Juba within two days

Dec 1, 2005 (JUBA) — Thousands of Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) soldiers are leaving Yei and expected to enter Juba within the next two days, reports Thomas Cirilo, Commander of the joint integrated forces.

According to the Juba Post, the forces have now arrived in Loka near Lanya country and are heading to Juba.

He added that the forces are coming to Juba after being distributed all over southern Sudan.

Cdr Cirilo met with local chiefs and called them to mobilize citizens in Juba to come out and receive the forces upon their arrival, since they have been away for at least two decades of war.

“We have prepared ourselves to receive the SPLA soldiers traditionally,” says Paramount Chief Denis Daramallo.

The Paramount Chief states that the chiefs are going to organize people to line up on the way and welcome the SPLA soldiers.

Cirilo calls on the other community leaders from Ingasana, Nuba mountains and northern Sudan who are staying in Juba to come out on that day and welcome the soldiers after being out for more than twenty years of war.

During the meeting, it was reported that thousands of SPLA soldiers may temporarily reside in Juba before re-deployment across southern Sudan.

(Juba Post/ST)