![US Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler speaks during the graduation of the unified forces. [Photo courtesy]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amb-Adler-1140x684-1.jpg?quality=89&ssl=1)
On Tuesday, over 21,000 soldiers from former rival groups were graduated and integrated into South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), the National Security Service (NSS), the National Police Service (NPS), the Civil Defense (CD) and the Wildlife Service.
Speaking on behalf of the Troika during the graduation ceremony held at Dr. John Garang De Mabior Mausoleum, United States ambassador to South Sudan Ambassador Michael J. Adler said the trio welcome the graduation of the first batch and called on the government to graduate the remaining forces.
“As the Troika, we welcome this initial step in the graduation of forces. This is a development that has been long promised and even longer awaited by South Sudanese and South Sudan’s friends. It is an absolutely critical step; but it is the start of a process,” Amb. Adler said.
The US diplomat stressed that “Unified forces, loyal to the whole nation of South Sudan and the entirety of its people, answering to a unified operational leadership and answering to a unified political leadership, are key to reducing violence and conflict and to providing peace and security.”
Amb. Adler said that the three powerful Western nations who have been on the forefront in the search for peace in the country said they look forward to graduation of “forces across the country” and “Laying out the details of how the graduated forces are inclusively structured, commanded, and deployed.”
He further said that the government should ensure that “all forces throughout the country have access to food and medicine and are paid their salaries consistently so that they can perform their duties with confidence that they can take care of their families.”
“It is also important to remember the other steps in R-ARCSS, which also need similar progress and require similar commitment so that the people of South Sudan – men, women, and children – have the future they deserve of peace, democracy, human rights, justice, and prosperity. Action must be taken to end violence and impunity so that all South Sudanese can live in security throughout the country.
“We are speaking here of the future that the South Sudanese people deserve and hoped for at the time of their independence. It is long overdue. We look to South Sudan’s leaders to capitalize on this renewed momentum to make progress on these steps.
“We hope the early steps that have begun to be taken today will unlock further progress in the implementation of the peace agreement.
“This step is potentially one that could build trust between the parties across all areas. If former combatants can work side by side for a common end, that provides space for others to do so.
“This graduation signifies progress on the implementation of the security arrangements in the R-ARCSS and we commend the spirit of compromise that was required to unlock progress.
“But today we congratulate the forces who are graduating, we remind them of the oaths they have taken, and we endorse the commitment to peace.
“Speaking personally, I feel honored to be here today at this important event. May God bless the people of South Sudan.
