By Matik Kueth
The Chairperson of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC), Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gitui, appealed to the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity to fast-track the deployment of the Unified Forces in order to improve national security.
Speaking at the Eighth Governors’ Forum in Juba on Wednesday, Gitui underlined the importance of expediting the completion of the unification of forces and their deployment throughout the country to enhance security in the States and Administrative Areas.
He stated that since the Necessary Unified Forces’ First Phase graduation, the unification of forces has not advanced as anticipated.
“Out of 55,000 graduates, nine (09) battalions or approximately 7,000 of the military components were deployed in several parts of the country. The rest of the organized forces have not been deployed,” Maj. Gen. Gitui said.
Gitui pointed out that since the SDSR Board has not yet sent the principals their verified policy documents, the unification of the second phase of troops and the DDR process have not yet begun.
“In addition, the unification of the mid-level echelon Command is still pending,” he stated.
One important component of South Sudan’s transition from conflict to peace is the deployment of the united forces. Although it represents a major advancement, the final achievement of peace is contingent upon sustained collaboration between all parties involved, the backing of the international community, and the successful execution of peace agreements.
The deployment of the unified forces has been sluggish as of late 2023 and 2024, and although there has been progress, the peace agreement’s complete implementation is still ongoing.
The National Transitional Committee (NTC), led by Tut Gatluak Manime, the Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, has identified a number of obstacles to the deployment of the unified forces, including delays in soldier training and challenges in providing the funding and resources required to ensure the integration process runs smoothly.