South Sudan's 2,200 army instructors ready to start troops training

JUBA, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan's ceasefire monitors said on Monday that about 2,200 army instructors are ready to commence training of both government and opposition armed forces to form a force of 83,000 tasked to provide country's security during the three-year transitional period.

Desta Abiche Ageno, chairperson of Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring, Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), said that the army instructors in Mapel, Luri, Rambur and Malakal are waiting to be moved to designated locations.

"CTSAMVM welcomes the provision of a detailed curriculum for the training of the necessary unified forces and awaits further details for the training of the VIP protection force. Training of trainers is now complete," Ageno told a stakeholders meeting in Juba.

He noted that the parties have achieved progress in setting up security mechanisms within the 100-day extension.

"With more than 2,200 trainers in Mapel, Luri, Rambur and Malakal waiting to be moved to designated locations. 19 training centers have been assessed, and the Joint Transitional Security Committee (JTSC) advises that nine can be activated, and the training of the necessary unified forces can begin once the necessary resources are received," Ageno said.

He said the Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC) and the Joint Transitional Security Committee are currently working together to develop plans, noting that without adequate and timely resourcing, this process is at risk of failure.

"With 66 days remaining, Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring, Verification Mechanism urges all the parties and stakeholders to the agreed timetable, and for the National Pre-transitional Committee (NPTC) to ensure this process is sufficiently resourced," Ageno added.

President Salva Kiir and ex-rebel leader Riek Machar agreed last month to delay the formation of a unity government by more than three months.

South Sudan descended into civil war in late 2013 and the conflict has created one of the worst refugee crises in the world, displacing 4 million South Sudanese internally and externally.