Africa-Press – South-Sudan. South Sudan is inching closer to achieving a landmark breakthrough in the implementation of the security arrangements chapter. Last week, the Chairperson of the National Transitional Committee (NTC), who also serves as the presidential advisor on matters of security, Tut Gatluak, announced that the country would possibly put the bid for the unification of command to rest.
Addressing the media from SSPDF headquarters in Juba, Gatluak revealed a breakthrough, hinting that the youngest was perhaps just a decree away from ratifying the unified command structure recently agreed upon by the principals in the 2018 peace agreement.
“At least early next week, the president will issue a decree to complete the formation of the unified command structure of the army, and after that, everyone will go to the sector or place where they are deployed to work for the citizens and peace, “he said.
“It is after the last decision that we will have peace and stability in South Sudan.
” There will be no more problems.
The remaining things we shall finish together, and thereafter, accusations and counter-accusations here and there will stop, “he added, as he appealed to the military officers to brace for embracing change.
Mr Gatluak was very particular about his announcement, saying that: “It remains only Saturday, Sunday, and Monday for us to be unified. ” You will not be here and there.
There is no way. The country should be in peace and, after that, everyone will know where they belong. ’’ On another occasion, the Spokesperson for the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA), Samuel Shan, expressed optimism that this landmark would be reached soon.
“In the wisdom of the leaders or the principals, they agreed that within the week, they would work on the issue of the unification of command, so by next week, we hope that there will be unified command, “he told the media.
Total dedication
The chapter on security arrangements is a crucial aspect of the 2018 peace accord because it will usher in a unified army that will work under one command and pledge allegiance to only one central power.
It will be a massive turning point for a country that has faced security upheavals courtesy of armed groups that have dedicated their time, resources, and lives to pursuing the aspirations of individuals as opposed to the nation.
Having one army symbolises the entry of a new dawn in South Sudanese leadership because it implies a unity of purpose to defend the interests of the country.
However, one question abounds: are the forces ready to cleave and actualise the spirit of unity as envisaged in the security chapter, which proposes the implementation of unification of command? This may be a tough question owing to the elements of mistrust between the government forces and those allied to other peace partners, particularly SPLM/A-IO.
Hence, it is prudent that leaders cajole these forces to embrace the unity under the much-needed ceasefire to avert infighting and polarisation that would jeopardise the new initiative.
It is imperative that SSPDF Spokesperson Maj Gen Lul Ruai and his SPLM/A-IO counterpart, Col Lam Paul Gabriel, work towards harmonising the voices to guide the juniors on the course.
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