By Matik Kueth
Maj. Gen. Andrea Mangu, SPLM-IO representative to CTSAMVM, urged the government to relocate its forces from Nasir County, Upper Nile State, to prevent further clashes between armed youth and soldiers. Speaking at a CTSAMVM meeting in Juba on Tuesday, Mangu emphasized the urgent need to deploy unified forces in the area to curb recurring violence linked to delayed nationwide disarmament.
“We will still blame forces who are in the containment site, in the barracks, in the training centers that are violating the agreement. How do you think when someone is dumped somewhere for almost six to seven years without feeding, shelter, health care? What do you expect to come out from them? Like what is taking place in Nasir. Resulting to that the ground is already prepared for the armed groups in order to do whatever they want. The ground is already prepared for the civilians to have arms,” Maj. Gen. Mangu said.
“We urge our partner to remove the forces in the location where they are in Nasir and that has to be replaced by the unified forces.”
Mangu pointed out that such infractions would not have occurred if the agreement had been implemented
He stated that SP LM/A-IO condemns the SSPDF’s attacks on people, particularly the bombardment of Nasir when the town is inhabited by innocent residents.
Mangu lamented the fact that training centers were established yet no one seemed to care about the troops at the cantonment sites who suffered from a lack of adequate support, warning that prolonging the deployment of the unified forces would eventually take the country astray.
“The training centres have been created already, and no one cares for them. So will it take place within these short months? It cannot, and they are sons and daughters of this land. At least there should be a consideration if there were to be what is called willingness to implement the agreement,” he stated.
He stressed that although President Kiir received the list of officers in July, no details about their deployment have been provided.
“Instead of unified force to be trained and sent, deployed to the areas of violation in order to keep security to our civilians, we are busy with what is called refreshment treatment, sorry, training. Does it mean that the unified force is already dismantled, or is it alive? If it is dismantled, then what next?” he posed.
Mangu urged CTSAMVM to prioritize the agreement’s security provisions and accelerate their implementation. He emphasized that a unified national army would make civilians feel more secure.
The deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) is vital for peace and stability in South Sudan. These forces are meant to form a cohesive national army, police, and other security units to maintain order across the country.
A unified force could also address sub-national and inter-communal violence, enhance accountability, and safeguard South Sudan’s territorial integrity. Additionally, the NUF would play a key role in supporting the Transitional Government in holding credible elections in 2026.