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South Sudan's President Salva Kiir (front, R) and his former deputy turned rebel leader Riek Machar (front, L) shake hands as they make a last peace deal at the 33rd Extraordinary Summit of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, September 12, 2018. /VCG Photo
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar on Monday agreed to speed up screening and registering their forces that will form an 83,000-strong united armed force for the country.
Henry Odwar, deputy head of the main rebel group the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) led by Machar, said the latter's arrival in the capital city of Juba for face-to-face talks with Kiir has helped speed up the security arrangements that include cantonment of forces.
"Machar today arrived in Juba and that's a sign of commitment to peace. Today our meeting concentrated on security arrangements because it's one of the fundamental provisions of this agreement," said Odwar.
"We deliberated on how we can fast-track so that the necessary forces of 83,000 will be realized before November 11. Yes, we do have challenges and we pray that we overcome those challenges," he added.
Cabinet Affairs Minister of South Sudan Martin Elia Lomuro said the latest development indicates that they will be able to form the much-awaited transitional unity government by November 12.
A fighter of the rebel force the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) is seen with ammunitions at their base in Panyume, South Sudan, September 22, 2018. /VCG Photo
The warring parties failed to form the transitional unity government in May and both agreed to a six-month extension with only three months remaining amid regional and international concern over delays.
"Cantonment is progressing very well, we have 20 cantonment sites in progress, forces are being screened, registered and we are fast-tracking them as soon as this group is screened and divided into army, national security and police," said Lomuro.
He disclosed that they have set a minimum standard of at least forming a 41,000-member force if they fail to arrive at the expected 83,000-strong force they earlier agreed upon.
"What we want to do is to have a force that is ready for the government to be formed by November 12," he said.
South Sudan descended into conflict in December 2013 after Kiir sacked his deputy Machar, leading to fighting between soldiers loyal to their respective leaders.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions both internally and externally.