Kiir, Machar urged to implement Security Arrangements

JUBA – Sudanese Prime Minister Dr. Abdallah Hamdok has urged President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to fully implement the stalled Security Arrangements enshrined in Chapter Two of the peace agreement.

Dr. Hamdok arrived in the country Thursday for a two-day visit to discuss the 2012 cooperation agreement, the deadlock on the security arrangements as well as the split within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition.

Dr. Hamdok, who doubles as the Chair of Inter-Governmental Authorities on Development (IGAD) who brokered the country’s peace agreement pushed for the security arrangements particularly on the issues of the Unified Command Forces.

Earlier, the SPLM-IO rejected the decision of the SPLM-IG to demand a lion share of 60 percent in the Unified Command, which is contrary to the 50 percent share as enshrined in the agreement.

This prompted SPLM/A-IO led by the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar to disagree over the forces’ contribution to the national army.

Appeal to parties

In his statement after the meetings of principal leaders, Hamdok promised IGAD’s continued support to ensure full peace implementation and called on leaders to exercise political will towards peace.

“Mr. President (Kiir), if you look back three years ago, the whole world, I think they were gambling that South Sudan will collapse, the peace agreement will not be implemented. Today, we are moving solely to implement the agreement, and we commend your leadership for this,” said Mr. Hamdok.

“No peace agreement will pass without challenges and I am sure we will resolve determination and you will be able to overcome them and we are here to support you in the context of IGAD as well as in the context of partner, Sudan.”

According to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement, government and opposition groups shall contribute forces 50 percent each to make 112 000 national armies of the country.

Besides, other factors, including the delay in the formation of unified command, graduation, and redeployment of the necessary unified forces have stalled the implementation of the security arrangements, critical to the overall peace agreement.

Thanks for reading! Got a story or article you want us to publish? Reach us on +211929321063, or send us an email at info@cityreviewss.com. To book your advertisement space, contact our sales team at advertising@cityreviewss.com.