SPLA-IO Clarifies Circulating Document on Second Tier Echelon Positions in South Sudan Peace Agreement

The spokesperson for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), Col Lam Paul Gabriel, has issued a press release clarifying a circulating document on social media regarding the allocation of second-tier echelon positions for parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF).

He stated that the document missed out some units in the known structures of the SSPDF.

The Joint Defense Board (JDB) had been directed by NTC chairman Hon. Gatluak Manime to complete the allocation of units within the known structures of all security sectors, including the SSPDF, police, NSS, and other organized forces.

The SPLA-IO chairman applauded the NTC for its leadership and handling of the matter and expressed hope that the positions will be made available for allocation in the spirit of peace by the SSPDF.

Col Lam clarified that the ongoing process of position allocation to parties is referred to as unification based on the agreed percentage, rather than absorption.

He requested the public to use the available terminologies in the R-ARCSS and applauded the JDB and CDF chairs for their efforts in completing the process as soon as possible.