Juba security arrangement incomplete, monitors say

May 14, 2016 (JUBA) – The Government of South Sudan is yet to fully declare its number of forces currently occupying the capital, Juba, officials from the Ceasefire And Transitional Security Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM) said, raising concerns about the sustainability of the new Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU).

“CTSAMM is not in the position to declare completion of transitional security arrangements in Juba since the government has not declared its forces,” General Molla Hailemariam, CTSAMM’s chairperson told a meeting Friday.

He said the meeting, attended by representatives the two sides, would discuss a report on recent ceasefire violations.

“It is my hope that with the formation of TGoNU the outstanding issues can be addressed properly and expeditiously,” he added.

The government is yet to respond to concerns raised by the monitors.

In accordance with the security agreement signed by South Sudan’s warring parties in November last year, 4,830 troops from both the government and the armed opposition faction are to remain in Juba during the transitional period.

The government would have 3, 420 troops in Juba, comprising of all its organised such as the army, police, prisons and the presidential guards while the armed opposition faction was allocated 1,410 slot for its forces. The rest of the troops from the two warring sides were to be moved 25 kilometers out of the South Sudanese capital.

(ST)