Troika hails R-TGoNU for striking unified command deal
The Troika has hailed the signing of the agreement on the unification of forces reached on Sunday by the government and the armed opposition to the revitalised peace agreement.
On Sunday, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Government (SPLM-IG), the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A-IO ) and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (“SSOA”) signed an agreement on unified command.
The Troika pledged its support for the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) in a statement issued on Tuesday.
“Following our statement of March 23, 2022, the Troika countries (United States, United Kingdom, and Norway) welcome the announcement by the parties on their recent agreement to progress the implementation of the security arrangements set out in Chapter II of the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS),” the statement read in part.
“The Troika will continue to support the parties in their efforts to achieve a stable, peaceful society and meet the commitments they have made to the people of South Sudan.”
However, Troika also hailed the compromise from both parties that led to the agreement, adding that continued commitment was vital to implement the newly signed agreement concerning the security arrangements.
“The Troika welcomes the decision by SPLM/A-IO to re-arrange with the monitoring and verification mechanisms set out in the R-ARCSS and the re-commitment by the parties to respect the ceasefire and desist from encouraging defections,” the statement continued.
“The graduation of necessary unified forces will be a significant step forward for the implementation of R-ARCSS. With less than a year left, of the transitional period, wholehearted commitment is critical to ensure the newly agreed timeline on security arrangements is met.”
Steady progress
Since the signing of the agreement on Sunday, the parties have made steady progress in the implementation of the critical parts of the unification of command.
On Monday, President Salva Kiir requested the First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar who is the Chairman of SPLM/A-IO to present to him his list of officers who will be absorbed into the Unified Command.
However, Dr. Machar is said to have requested some time to present his list of nominees for the formation of the unified command structure of all security organs.
President Kiir said the citizens were tired of war and were only ready for peace, stability, and development.
Also, Dr. Machar had assured the president of his total commitment to implementing the peace agreement and promised not to “return the country to war.”
