SSNLM forces arrive to training site in Yambio county
June 18, 2016 (YAMBIO) – Members of the South Sudan National Liberation Movement/Army (SSNLM/A) have started to arrive from Tombura and Ezo counties of Western Equatoria to the training center in Yambio county, the state capital.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune, a senior commander of SSNLM, James Kabila said “time has come to start transporting their forces from different places in Maridi” and in the newly created Gbudue state to Yambio county where the training is ongoing for the SSNLM forces.
He did not mention how many forces are expected to be transported for the said military training.
“I am informing all citizens in Gbudue state that time has come for us to start transporting our forces from their locations to Yambio county for the training as part of the implementation of peace agreement we signed in April,” Commander Kabila said.
Kabila stated that despite the delay because for 60 days, Hh urged all SSNLM forces to assemble in their locations for their transportation to Yambio, adding those who are still loitering in Yambio town should go to Birisi training camp.
“And people should not fear when they will be transported to Yambio,” he added.
He reaffirmed that the SSNLM is committed to the implementation of the peace agreement “because the people in Yambio and other areas in Western Equatoria have suffered enough and they need to be free because they went to the bush for them.”
He called upon the forces under the command of Alfred Futiyo, another officer who claimed to be under the command of the SPLA-IO army that they should not cross the town to their territory in Gangura, saying “it has come to their notice that some the forces in Rangu are committing crimes in their territory which will not be acceptable because people in Yambio need peace and the 1st Vice President Riak Machar should advise his forces in Yambio County to stop torturing the civilians.”
Victor Edward Kpiawandu, the chairperson of the committee formed for the implementation of the peace agreement doubled as the deputy governor for the new controversial Gbudue state acknowledged the arrival of SSNLM forces in Yambio but expressed challenges being faced during the implementation which includes lack of money and other logistical issues.
He added that enough food had been brought by World Food Program (WFP) to Yambio aiming at feeding the SSNLM members and the communities around the area to keep them complete their training without looting the community.
The forces are being trained ahead of the reintegration into the government organized forces. Some will be joining vocational training schools while others will continue with their studies in the various schools in the state.
Hundreds of people have returned to their homes in Gangura to cultivate their farms this year as the SSNLM has finally allowed people to enter their territory for the cultivation.
(ST)