Army deploys across Juba metropolitan ahead of independence celebrations

JUBA – South Sudan army has this evening issued a statement announcing the deployment of a joint security forces comprising members of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), the police and the national security service.

On Friday this week, South Sudan will mark ten years since gaining its hard-won independence from the Republic of Sudan after a January 2011 referendum resulted in the interest of separation with over 98% percent voting to break away from the north.

In a statement this evening, Major-General Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesman said the army will deploy a joint force across the capital Juba to provide security during the Independence Day celebrations.

“SSPDF GHQs would like to inform own ranks & files and the people of South Sudan that Joint Security Forces will beef up security within Juba and its environs ahead of 10th Anniversary of our Independence,” General Lul said in the statement extended to Sudans Post.

“Security personnel would be deployed at strategic locations with movement into Juba expected to be restricted by 4:00AM local time. Members of the public are politely requested to cooperate with Joint Security Forces that would be on duty throughout Public Holidays period,” he added in the statement.

He further said “rest of security forces that won’t be on duty are expected to remain on maximum alert in areas of their responsibilities. All would be celebrants are requested to celebrate responsibly in their respective places including at recreational centres across the Country.”