Juba Declaration on Unity and Integration

PREAMBLE

The SPLA and SSDF having met in Juba between the 6th and 8th January, 2006 and fully aware of the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) regarding the status of the Other Armed Groups (OAG’s).

– Committed to upholding and defending the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and its full implementation;
– Motivated by their desire for peace, reconciliation and unity among the people of Southern Sudan;
– Determined to end all forms of conflict and hostilities among themselves, so as to usher a new era of hope, stability and sustainable development in Southern Sudan;
– Further determined to build trust and confidence among themselves and to avoid past mistakes that have led to divisions and internecine conflict between themselves and among the people of Southern Sudan in general;
– Cognizant of the fact that the SPLM led Government has already included members of the SSDF in the institutions of Government of National Unity, the Government of Southern Sudan and the Governments of the States to ensure SSDF participation;
– Acknowledging that the people of Southern Sudan have one indivisible destiny;
– Inspired by the struggle and the immense sacrifices and suffering of our people in defence of their land, freedom, dignity, culture identity and common history; and
– Remembering our fallen heroes, heroines and martyrs who paid the ultimate price for the freedom of our people and to ensure that these sacrifices are not in vain;

Do hereby make the following Declaration to be known as the Juba Declaration on Unity and Integration:

– Complete and unconditional unity between the SPLA and SSDF.
– Agree to immediately integrate their two forces to form one unified, non partisan Army under the name of SPLA as stipulated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
– Immediate and total cessation of all forms of hostilities and to ensure that all their forces and persons under their control observe and comply with this declaration.
– Guarantee freedom of movement of people, goods and services in all areas in Southern Sudan.
– Declaration of general amnesty covering any criminal acts committed during the past period of hostilities between the two forces.
– Appeal to any armed persons or groups outside the two forces to join the process of unity and reconciliation in order to promote peace, stability and development throughout Southern Sudan.
– The unified Movement shall mobilize the people of Southern Sudan behind this agreement and to support its implementation.

IMPLEMENTATION

In implementation of this declaration the two parties agree to form the following committees:

1. High Political Committee

There shall be a High Political Committee to oversee the overall implementation of this unity agreement. It shall be established by the Chairman of the SPLM and C- in – C of SPLA in consultation with Major- General Paulino Matip Nhial, Chief of Staff of the SSDF.

2. Military Technical Committee

There shall be established a Military Technical Committee consisting of equal numbers to implement the terms of this declaration. It shall be established by the Chairman of the SPLM and C- in – C of SPLA in consultation with Major General Paulino Matip Nhial, Chief of Staff of the SSDF. The Joint Military Technical Committee shall report to the High Political Committee and handle inter alia the following issues:

– Integration of SSDF into the SPLA and its command structures and all its component units including the Joint Integration Units.
– Harmonisation of ranks and deployment of forces and to report to the principals.
– Handle issues of demobilisation and downsizing of forces in accordance with the provisions of the CPA.
– Report to the High Political Committee on all matters relating to this Unity Declaration.

3. Administrative and Civil Service Committee

This committee shall deal with the integration of non military personnel of SSDF into the Civil Service of the Government of Southern Sudan and the Governments of the States.

Call on the National Congress Party and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF)

The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) calls upon its partner the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) to support this agreement which has been guided by the provision of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement regarding the status of the Other Armed Groups (OAG’s). The decision by the SSDF to be integrated into the SPLA is a legitimate decision which will consolidate peace and security in Southern Sudan and the Sudan at large. The two parties signatory to the agreement call on all other Sudanese political forces to support this declaration.

Appeal to the International Community

The two parties also appeal to the international community to support this agreement as it will consolidate peace in the Sudan and bring about lasting peace among the people of Southern Sudan.

– H.E Lt. General Salva Kiir Mayardit,
1st Vice President of the Republic of Sudan, Chief of Staff of Southern Sudan,
Chairman of the SPLM and Commander- in-Chief of SPLA.

– Major General Paulino Matip Nhial
President of the Government of South Sudan Defence Force (SSDF)

Witnessed by

– Mr. Aaron R. Tuikong S.S.
Chief Executive,
Moi Africa Institute (MAIN)