Uganda appoints team to monitor S. Sudan’s ceasefire deal

October 12, 2015 (KAMPALA) – Uganda has appointed Lt. General Ivan Koreta, the former deputy chief of staff as the head of its Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) team to neighbouring South Sudan.

Koreta’s appointment comes as Ugandan troops begin their phased withdrawal from war-ravaged South Sudan following a compromised peace deal signed by President Salva Kiir and armed opposition leader Riek Machar in August.

“Lt. Gen. Ivan Koreta has been appointed to the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring Mechanism,” James Mugume, Uganda foreign affairs permanent secretary told reporters in Kampala on Monday.

Koreta heads the Ugandan’s team to be supervised by the regional bloc (IGAD). Also on the team are Maj Gen. Joram Mugume, Col. Kagoro Asingura and Maj. Fred Byegarazo Asaba.

The CTSAMM, according to the foreign affairs official, the will work to ensure the demilitarisation of the South Sudanese capital, Juba by providing adequate security in the run up to establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU).

The IGAD peace proposal on security arrangement provides for at least 18 out of 30 months of the transitional period during which to complete integration of the two rival forces loyal to President Kiir and those allied to rebel leader, Machar.

The two principles will separately be commanders-in-chief of their respective armies, pending completion of the integration process. The two forces will begin to assemble 90 days after signing of a final peace agreement.

The South Sudanese capital is expected to be demilitarised and its security provided by international and regional forces. A radius of 25kms will be imposed for 30 months until the end of the transitional period. President Kiir will be allowed to have 260 soldiers as bodyguards while the armed opposition leader, Machar, will have 195 bodyguards.

(ST)