Last batch of SPLA troops in Kassala State heads to the South

June 18, 2006 (KASSALA) — The last batch of the former rebel SPLA has left today Hamesh Koreb heading to Southern Sudan. The governor of eastern Sudan Kassala saluted the move saying it constitutes a great step in 9 January 2006 peace deal implementation.

The Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) troops leaded by Gen brigadier Charles Dod Akol has commenced their final redeployment from Eastern Sudan Kassala State on Sunday 18 Jun06.

A big convoy of more than 40 vehicles consisting more than 3000 SPLA soldires crossed Kassala town enroute to South Sudan. The convoy also had five tanks mounted on tank transporters and two Artillery guns and one multi barrel Rocket Launcher.

Kassala State governor Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid who received the SPLA troops in al-Shalal area (north of Kassala) welcomed the SPLA deployment saying that ruling National Congress party end the SPLM are partner in the realisation of the welfare of the Sudanese people. While Gen. Akol affirmed SPLM commitment to peace implementation and reconstruction of the Sudan.

Once this phase of redeployment is over there will be no more SPLA troops in the Eastern Sudan. Prior to this move on 11 Jun SPLA had handed over Hamesh Koreb
to the authorities of Kassala. Subsequent to that Sudanese Armed Forces had moved into Hamesh Koreb.

As per the peace agreement SPLA was to redeploy from Eastern Sudan by 9 January 06. This final move of forces though delayed is a major step in the implementation process of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

If the ongoing talks with rebel Eastern Front is not successful, with the pull out of SPLA the next flash point of Sudan will be Eastern Sudan.

(ST)