SPLA factions reach 'breakthrough' at talks on Juba security/ Radio Tamajuz 03.11.15

[Elisabeth Janaina]

*SPLA factions reach 'breakthrough' at talks on Juba security/ Radio
Tamajuz 03.11.15*

ADDIS ABABA (3 Nov.)
An SPLA general representing South Sudan's government and a general of
the SPLA-IO today signed a 'breakthrough' agreement on the security
arrangements for Juba during the upcoming transitional period.

The document limits the number of military troops in Juba and National
Security Service personnel to 4830 only, including 3420 from the
government side and 1410 from the SPLM-IO side.

All other soldiers in Juba must withdraw from the city by a distance of
at least 25 kilometres per the terms of the August peace agreement.

Haile Michael, IGAD Communications Officer, told Radio Tamazuj that the
document signed today “has been praised as a breakthrough by all parties
that will pave the way for the full and expeditious implementation of
the agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan.”

A group of Joint Integrated Police will also be deployed in Juba with
1,500 from each side for a total of 3,000 joint police.

Major-Gen. Marshal Stephen Babanen signed the agreement on behalf of the
government and Lt-Gen. James Koang Chuol Ranley signed on behalf of
SPLM/A-IO.

The SPLM Former Detainees also adhered to the document, represented by
Oyai Deng Ajak. IGAD Special Envoys Seyoum Mesfin, Lazaro Sumbeiywo and
Mohamed El-Dabi witnessed the agreement.

This compromise was signed after talks between the chief negotiators and
military command representatives from 21 Octoer to 3 November.