IGAD says security agreement officially ends S. Sudan war

November 3, 2015 (ADDIS ABABA) – Mediators from the East African regional bloc (IGAD) which brokered a peace deal between South Sudan rival factions officially declared on Tuesday that the nearly two years long conflict in the young nation was over.

“IGAD’s special envoy, Seyoum Mesfin, made the declaration after a final agreement on South Sudan Security Arrangement was signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia by principal signatories of the accord to resolve the political crisis in the country.

Major. Gen. Stephan Babanen from South Sudan government and Lt. Gen. James Koamg Chuoal Ranley from the armed opposition (SPLM-IO) as well as Gen. Oyai Deng Ajak of the former detainees signed the agreement at Sheraton hotel in Addis Ababa.

The IGAD’s special envoys, IGAD plus, international peace partners, government officials, diplomats and friends of South Sudan witnessed the agreement signing ceremony.

The warring parties have been meeting at the chief negotiators level, including their military command from 21 October to 3 November 2015 and held extensive discussions on planning implementation of the signed agreements.

Other agenda items included were concerns raised by the IGAD mediation on its proposed harmonization document and in any other concerns needed to be resolved to ensure the implementation of the permanent cease fire and operationaliaztion of the institutions provided for in the agreement and in the implementation time line.

As per the final IGAD imposed proposal on security arrangements, the warring factions on Tuesday signed an agreement on the total number of forces that will remain in Juba.

According to the agreement, the two sides will deploy a total 4,830 shared forces in Juba, 3,420 for Juba and 1,410 for the SPLM in opposition. The South Sudanese government will, as stipulated in the deal, get 650 presidential guards while SPLM-IO will have 350.

A total of 1,820 guards and military police to be shared by the two sides will also be deployed and with a unified command to decide on their status, encampment and deployment.

The parties have also agreed for the deployment of 3,000 joint integrated police 1,500 each to guard security of Juba. Moreover they will deploy a total of 2,400 joint integrated police 400 to each town in Bor, Malakal, and Bentiu.

The signatory parties further committed themselves to build confidence between the parties to the agreement and ensure security was provided to leaders and civilians in the country.

After the agreement was signed, Taban Deng Gai chief negotiator of the SPLM-IO said the day marks a critical step towards the full implementation of the peace agreement.

“This is a historic day to the people of South Sudan. We are committed to fully implement the peace agreement and more importantly to the reunification of the SPLM” Gai

He said the unification of SPLM is key to reunite the people of South Sudan and reconcile the nation.

Sudan Tribune