KIIR TO ARMY: South Sudan Unity Gov’t must be Formed by November 12

South Sudan President, Salva Kiir has told the South Sudan People Defense Force that the formation of Transitional Government of National Unity is a must by November 12, 2019, Chimp Corps report.

Kiir, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of SSPDF, officiated at the opening ceremony of the 7th Command Council conference, at defense general headquarters in Juba on Thursday under the theme; “SSPDF transformation and challenges of implementing the R-ARCSS (Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Crisis in South Sudan”.

According to a statement released by the presidency, Command Council Conference, the highest army decision organ, is centered on updating the top commanders on the coming transitional government especially the contentious issues.

“The three days Command Council conference comes as an effort to brief the army on the status of the Revitalized Peace Agreement with focus on the transitional security arrangements, permanent ceasefire, cantonment, re- unification, training of the unified forces and strategic defense security review,” said part of the statement.

Kiir noted that the establishment of unity government, already been postponed for several months since the signing of peace agreement in September 2018, should not be delayed for anymore, adding the “extension was bad for the country.”

The UN Security Council was recently in South Sudan in a visit the 15 ambassadors described as an opportunity to secure lasting peace in the conflict-affected country.

The delegation arrived at a critical stage in the peace process as a unified transitional government is due to be formed in just a fortnight.

During lengthy meetings with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir and other signatories to the peace agreement, including Opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar, the Security Council urged the leaders to expedite the implementation of the peace agreement and meet the November 12 deadline for forming a unified transitional government.

“We understand there are a lot of difficulties in this country. But your country is at a critical juncture and it is time for all of you to take responsibility and set aside differences to work together for the future,” Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy from the Russian Federation told the parties.

Key outstanding issues are proving to be a barrier to the progression of the peace process, including decisions on states and boundaries, and the reunification of security forces. The pre-transitional period of the peace agreement was extended for six months in May so that these could be resolved.

However, progress has been slow. Several Parties indicated they preferred the option of a further extension while others said that the government could be formed on time as long as fresh benchmarks were set to ensure full implementation of the agreement. This was necessary to avoid inflicting further suffering on the citizens of South Sudan, they said.

Opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar expressed concern about the failure to reunify security forces and stated that his party would not join the government until that issue was resolved.

“Yes, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development stated that by the 12th of November there should be a new government… but the aspects that are needed for establishing the government are not there,” he said. “Suppose we force it on the 12th, we know what will happen, the ceasefire that we have been enjoying will be in jeopardy.”

The Security Council expressed its disappointment at that statement. It urged the Parties to compromise and show strong leadership to chart a way forward.

Top military officials listening to Kiir’s speech in Juba

Costly affair

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Kiir urged the army commanders to remember that peace is very “expensive” and comes with sacrifices including losing positions to give space for opposition forces.

Government and opposition forces were expected to be moved to cantonment centers for integration before the formation of transitional government.

Kiir said he has already appealed to his rival Dr. Riek Machar to nominate the names of his delegates that are to be appointed in the transitional Government he is yet to be presented the list of his nominees.

He commended the permanent ceasefire prevailing across the country and urged the army to embrace and maintain it for the welfare of the people of South Sudan.

Meanwhile the Minister of Defense and Veteran affairs, Kuol Manyang said the conference will draw resolutions and recommendations in line with the Revitalized Peace Agreement. He also urged the army to welcome and work together the army of the opposition.

Chief of SSPDF, General Jok Riak reassured the commitment of the army to adhere to their mandate of defending the people and the country during the transitional period. He noted that the security situation across the country is stable accept in the areas bordering Congo where the forces of Thomas Cirilo recently attacked the government forces.