Exclusive: Security arrangements “far from completion”

SPLA-IO forces in Juba. Photo: France 24
SPLA-IO forces in Juba. Photo: France 24

Juba, May 17, 2016 (SSNA) — A high-ranking military officer of the Sudan People’s Liberation army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) has revealed to the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) that the power-sharing deal signed last year by South Sudan’s main rival factions is far from reaching its intended goal.

The officer, who demanded his name not to be used in the SSNA’s report because he was not authorized to speak and the sensitivity of the issue exposes the length to which the two main parties to the conflict have become victims to deal they signed.

The armed opposition officer declared the SPLA-IO is basically surrounded by government troops.

“Kiir is refusing to move his forces to the 25 Kilometers boundary required by the security arrangements. We [SPLA-IO] are basically surrounded by government troops,” the Officer told the SSNA in South Sudan’s capital, Juba.

“Government military tanks are stationed in many locations in and around Juba, our areas are the targets. The agreement is far from completion,” the officer declared.

The SSNA understands that the issue of 28 states which was decreed in December last year by Kiir has been rejected by both the SPLM/A-IO and the international community.

However, our reporters on the ground noticed that Kiir is working as a president of two parallel governments, causing confusion among South Sudan’s peace partners.

“We are seeing signs of resistance to peace implementation from the government. Sometimes Kiir meets with officials he calls Governors of states he created late last year,” one of our reporters noticed.

IDPs are not allowed to go their homes

In the exclusive interview, the officer disclosed to the South Sudan News Agency that the leadership of the SPLM/A-IO wants all the internally displaced persons (IDPs) to refrain from going back to their homes, at least for now.

“I think the peace is not being implemented…Kiir is refusing to allow our forces to have bases in or around the greater Equatoria region, let alone other regions” the SPLA-IO officer revealed.

When pressed by our reporters, the officer simply said “JMEC and all peace partners should first complete their obligation before any other work.”

The SSNA, however, has learned that the SPLM/A-IO’s leader, Dr. Riek Machar, yesterday challenged the work of JMEC and other peace partners, saying he was somewhat forced to come to Juba hoping the IGAD-Plus will be able to straighten up remaining hurdles that are impeding the implementation of the pact.

Former officials to wait for their confirmation letters

In a meeting held Monday, the armed opposition leadership passed a non-binding resolution, requiring all former government officials to wait for their confirmation letters from the Council of Ministers of the transitional government before they can resume their duties. The order also applies to any new SPLM/A-IO’s political or military official.

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8 Comments. Leave new

  • International community must intervene before the choas.
    Kiir is not a peace lover anymore

    Reply
    • Gatluak Gach chuol
      May 18, 2016 12:51 am

      I thinks this is consequences of what we termed as power hunger suppose they should have to understand what is peace about? Instead outing many hurdle to prevent peace to be implemented. I know and you know very well this war is all bout Dinka against Nuer it’s not a politic as many believes it’s war of two tribes competing to dominate each others
      Please bear in mind that, no peace the guys Dinka are trying to confuse international communities in exchange to get fund after they allow IO to juba thier intention to get money in return of IO force.
      They values Riek Machar is return Juba as project to get loans from out side country which is now fail as donors demand formation of local gov, t from states based on 10 states and security arraignment.

      Reply
  • This is true sign that kiir and his group are not serious in implementation of the peace. If the JMEC, tasked to over see this peace, is not taking any measure now, Violent will escalates no doubt.

    Reply
  • Kuanen deng
    May 18, 2016 2:09 pm

    Iam a man from s.sudan plz my nation mate iam telling you the peace is not in corner since its signing, this war will be between dinka and nuer it will not be like we fought last year, you have been comfuse for allowing SPLA-IO to juba bear in your mind know.

    Reply
  • According to Ngundeng’s words, this will be the final war betwwen Nuer and Dinka. If one of us will be at the comming war, he/she will feel like they never wanted to be there, it ganna be too little tolate to escape the war. Those who will not be at this war in Juba or either else-where in South, on that day, most of them will feel like they need to join the war. When you see that happening, the real changes will come in the whole land of the Kush. Believe Ngundeng’s words or not, this war will be happening no matter what. That is all I can says. I’m a true-Born-Nuer and will die Nuer, too.

    Reply
  • lol

    Reply
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