South Sudan militia disbands, creates political front

September 23, 2007 (KHARTOUM) – South Sudan Defence Force (SSDF), which is a pro National Congress Party militias, has decided today formally to disband and change into political party named Democratic Front for South Sudan (DFSS)

In a press conference held in Khartoum on Sunday, the leadership of the newly formed front said the party has emerged to answer hope and aspirations of the southerners and go ahead with peace and development.

The official SUNA said that Prof David Richard is expected to lead the new party. Richard pledged to work on bettering development in the south.

“The party is a forum for all the southerners,” said Gabriel Deng, deputy commander of the dissolved SSDF.

He pointed out that they would work for boosting the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

The CPA demands that the various militia groups in the country disband or join either the Sudan Armed FORCES or the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA).

The mainstream of the SSDF led by Paulino Matip disbanded and joined the ranks of the SPLA on 9 January 2006.

(ST)