South Sudan peace monitors welcome graduation of peace forces

JUBA – The Interim Chairperson of South Sudan’s Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluating Commission (R-JMEC), Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai welcomed the graduation of the unified forces saying it will help bridge the security gap in the country.

The unified forces which include the army, police, prison service, national security, and civil defense service will take charge of the country’s security.

Gituai described the graduation of 52,000 troops as an important milestone as envisaged under Chapter II of the Revitalized peace deal.

“It is my sincere hope and expectation that this graduation will also provide a timely boost to the overall implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement going forward,” Gituai said during the graduation ceremony held in Juba on Tuesday.

Gituai said this graduation is a testament and a clear indication of the determination of the government of South Sudan to stay the course of peace.

“As I have always said, the unification of forces is the backbone of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Despite the challenges,” Gituai said.

R-JMEC Chief said the troop reflects the national character of the people of South Sudan.”

“This graduation ceremony today symbolizes national unity, the spirit of patriotism, loyalty to the constitution and to the country.”

“As professional, apolitical security forces, the spirit of comradeship, discipline, the spirit of the corps, and loyalty that you have developed during your training should serve as your guiding values as you get redeployed to your respective units.”

He said the forces will enable the realization of a united, secure, peaceful, and prosperous South Sudan,” he added.

“Let this spirit of unification of forces be one of the building blocks in promoting national unity, reconciliation, and cohesion which should be emulated across the country.

“We have a long way to go to attain full unification of forces, including disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ineligible candidates for the unification. We expect this momentum to be maintained and Phase II of unification to commence as quickly as possible.”

He said the troops will safeguard the country to conduct free, fair, and credible elections at the end of the Transitional Period.

“Much remains to be done across all the chapters of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, especially in the Permanent Constitution-making process, legislative reforms, and the necessary preparations for free, fair, and credible elections at the end of the Transitional Period.”