Southern Sudan faction leaders to disarm child soldiers

Dec 25, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — Twenty seven faction leaders from the armed southern factions have affirmed that they would be disarming, demobilizing and reintegrating child soldiers into there societies so that they may live lives that are suitable to them.

During a workshop yesterday set up by the sub-committee for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme held at the Grand Holiday Villa hall, the deputy leader of the southern defence forces, Maj-Gen Gordon Koang who was speaking on behalf of the leader Paulino Matip reiterated the southern faction’s commitment to the peace agreement and the security arrangements which provides for the collection of arms from children.

He said those who hand over their arms would be compensated reasonably.

In this regard the chairman of the sub-committee for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration said that this step represented a historic stance towards the issues of children and is in accordance with international conventions which Sudan had signed.

(ST)