South Sudan peace monitors calls for unification of armed forces

JUBA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan peace monitors on Wednesday called for unification of armed forces as implementation of the revitalized peace agreement which was inked in September last year, enters crucial period.

Augostino Njoroge, Interim Chairperson of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) said disengagement, cantonment and unification of armed forces in South Sudan will be a decisive milestone.

"It is very important that all the armed forces of South Sudan are unified," Njoroge told the opening of the third plenary of the reconstituted JMEC in Juba.

"With the rapid approach of the transitional period, their unification will be a decisive milestone for this agreement, which is why no effort should be spared in achieving this," he added.

The warring parties were required to disengage troops and establish assembly points and cantonment sites within 30 days of the signing of the revitalized peace deal.

However, lack of funds delayed the start of the crucial exercise under security arrangements.

Njoroge said he was encouraged by the Joint Defence Board's decision last week to visit and assess potential sites for pilot cantonments in Yei, Panyume and Moroto.

He, however said he was unhappy to hear of field commanders who continue to obstruct verification of forces by Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMMVM) as required by the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements.

"I expect that the work of the security institutions and mechanisms will quickly gather momentum, and that practical steps shall be taken to expedite the disengagement, cantonment and unification of forces," said Njoroge.

The unification of armed forces aims to ensure unity among the new army and prevent clashes during the 30-month transitional period which starts in May.

Njoroge called on the National Pre-transitional Committee and the incumbent Transitional Government of National Unity to take the lead in mobilizing all requisite resources for implementation, establish effective mechanisms for disbursing funds, and support the other mechanisms of the Agreement to carry out their tasks without delay.

"We continue our outreach to the donor community in the search for funds to support implementation, and we reiterate our heartfelt thanks for those who have already made contributions, be it financially or in-kind," said Njoroge.

South Sudan's conflict that has now entered its fifth year erupted in 2013 after forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar engaged in combat.

Millions of South Sudanese civilians have sought refuge in neighboring countries as the conflict rages on despite attempts by international players to end it. Enditem