Troika urges Kiir, Machar to meet command structure timeline

April 5, 2022 (JUBA) – The Troika countries (United States, United Kingdom and Norway) have appealed to the various political parties in South Sudan to meet the timeline on the security arrangements deal inked on Sunday.

The parties to the September 2018 revitalized peace deal signed an agreement to unify the command of the security forces, easing political tensions in the country.

The political parties, followed by talks mediated by Sudan government, signed an agreement which paves way for expediting the unified command structure in the security services, including the army and police.

The new deal calls for a unified structure in the security services, including the army and the police, with 60% allocated to President Salva Kiir’s ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the remaining 40% to the opposition.

“The graduation of Necessary Unified Forces will be a significant step forward for the implementation of R-ARCSS [Revitalized Peace Agreement]. With less than a year of the transitional period, wholehearted commitment is critical to ensure the newly agreed timeline on security arrangements is met,” the Troika said Tuesday.

The Troika commended the spirit of compromise shown by the parties to South Sudan peace deal which enabled a breakthrough in the stalemate.

The further welcomed the decision taken by the armed opposition faction (SPLM/A-IO) led by First Vice President Riek Machar to re-engage with the monitoring and verification mechanisms set out in the peace agreement.

The United States, United Kingdom and Norway promised to continue supporting the parties in their efforts to achieve peace in Africa’s newest nation.

(ST)