S. Sudanese peace partners begin work on security reforms

May 20, 2016 (JUBA) – The Strategic Defence and Security Review Board (SDSRB), a body provided for in the August 2015 peace agreement in South Sudan to initiate new policies for security sector, has begun its work on assessment towards security sector reform in the country.

The body is composed of representatives from all parties to the peace agreement and will be alternatively chaired by either an official from the former government under the leadership of President Salva Kiir or an official from the armed opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) under the leadership of the First Vice-President, Riek Machar.

Currently, the joint defence board has been chaired by Angelina Teny, chairperson of national committee for defence and security in the SPLM-IO.

In a press statement released on Thursday, the secretary of the Board, Beny Gideon, said the first workshop on new policies initiative was conducted last week in Juba, which was attended by representatives from the parties.

He said the mandate for the Board includes revising defence policy in the country as well as recommending security force structure, among others.

“The Board’s mandate is to develop a holistic strategic security assessment, security policy framework, revised defence policy, recommend security force structure and budget, and a security sector transformation roadmap to include the unification of security forces,” partly reads the statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

The Board also seeks information from the rival parties on the cantonment of forces across the country.

The defence and security body reports to the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) and the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC).

(ST)