UN Security Council says most South Sudan army troops have not joined training centres

JUBA – The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has said that most of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) troops have not joined training centers as opposition groups have sent in their forces for training.

The report by the Secretary-General on South Sudan which is set to be discussed today by the UNSC also said no progress has been made by the parties on the security sector reforms provided for in the revitalized peace agreement.

“The Strategic Defense and Security Review Board made no progress towards a broader framework for security sector reform, including with regard to the vision, size, composition and budget of the national army, the security service and other organized forces, as envisioned in the Revitalized Agreement,” the report dated September 8 and obtained by Sudans Post reads in part.

It however said that a “limited progress was made towards the implementation of transitional security arrangements, with plans to train, graduate and deploy the necessary unified forces remaining unfulfilled.”

“Training centres and cantonment sites continued to be deserted by forces owing to a lack of food, water, medicine and essential services. Most government forces were not yet part of the unification process and remained in barracks throughout the country, while the opposition parties sent a significant portion of their forces to such centres and sites.

“On 13 and 14 July, the Joint Defense Board held a workshop on the restructuring of security organs, the army, the police, prisons, the National Security Service, wildlife service and fire services. On 11 August, the Board submitted the harmonized command structures of the necessary unified forces to the National Transitional Committee.

“The activities of the National Constitutional Amendment Committee continued to be deferred owing to COVID-19-related restrictions. Similarly, delays in the reconstitution of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly impeded the consideration and passing of necessary laws.”