South Sudan lauds Sudan for breaking security stalemate
April 4, 2022 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese government has lauded neigbouring Sudan for breaking a security deadlock over the unification of command structure.
The April 3, 2022 agreement, mediated by Sudan’s deputy chairman of Sovereign Council, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo ended fears of escalating the political and security differences which threatened a return to another full-scale war.
The latest agreement also ended the tension and panic caused by the armed opposition’s (SPLM/A-IO) initial withdrawal from participation in the security mechanism and meetings chaired by peace monitors in protest over attacks on its forces.
On Sunday, the rival leaders inked a deal to unify command of forces and to graduate them from the training sites and fast track their deployment to provide protection and security to the people and secure territorial integrity of the young nation.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) on Monday described it as a step forward in implementing key security provisions in the peace agreement.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Monday, the South Sudanese presidential advisor on security affairs, Tut Gatluak Manime said the intervention of Sudan averted a situation that could have deteriorated and returned the country to square one.
“Our brothers in Sudan played an important role in breaking the deadlock. Their role resulted in the agreement which the parties signed yesterday,” he explained, adding, “It is an important step forward and I hope the leaders will work together to consolidate. At the secretariat, my team and I will work to ensure what the leaders have agreed is fast-tracked so that the unification of forces is put behind us in the implementation of the peace agreement”.
Meanwhile Dagalo left for Khartoum on Sunday after monitoring the progress and challenges facing the implementation of the peace agreement, especially the security protocol. His accompanying delegation left Juba after witnessing the signing of the agreement on the unification of the army structures between the government and opposition groups in Juba.
South Sudan’s Vice President for Service Cluster Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, chairperson of the National Transitional Committee (NTC) and senior government officials witnessed the departure of the Sudanese delegation at Juba airport.
(ST)