Graduation of South Sudan’s unified forces without screening meaningless – DDRC chief

JUBA – South Sudan’s Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission has said that graduation of  the Necessary Unified Forces without screening process is would be meaningless.

More than 5,000 troops from the government, opposition and other allied armed groups are expected to be graduated in the coming weeks following months of joint training in different centres across the county.

The forces will become part of the unified national security force as stipulated in the revitalized peace agreement signed in September 2018.

DDRC, Chairperson, Ayuen Alier said that the commission lacks financial support to carry out its activities of demobilizing and reintegrating the ex-combatants.

He said that up to now, the commission has not set up the four facilities meant for training of the ex-combatants due to logistical constraint, adding that it may lead to a fragile peace deal.

Alier said that parsons with special needs that are ineligible or those to be discharged from the unified army may join the handout group to fight the government when they are not properly integrated into civilian’s life.

The R-JMEC Interim Chairperson H.E. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai said, “Without doubt, it is important that the DDR Commission catches up meaningfully because the DDR process is a complex, lengthy, and costly undertaking. Consequently, it must be effectively managed, funded, and supported.”

He said that clear signals must be sent that the DDR process is functioning as it should and that most importantly, that it provides real opportunities for ex-combatants as they return peacefully to civilian life.