By Ephraim Modi D.S
A representative from the National Transitional Committee (NTC) on Transitional Security Arrangements, Mr. Stephen Par Kuol said they have submitted a budget of over 14 million US dollars to the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
He disclosed this at the 23rd Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) plenary on Thursday in Juba.
The NTC is a peace mechanism responsible for coordination of the transitional security arrangement activities that include the cantonment sites, training centers and preparation of the graduation of forces.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Kuol stated that the budget is to cater for the activities of the NTC in accelerating the implementation of the Transitional Security Agreement that include the graduation, deployment of unified forces and the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration program and screening of forces.
“NTC has submitted a budget of 14,430,928 US dollars to the Ministry of Finance and Planning to expedite the implementation of the remaining critical tasks and activities,” he said.
He said the NTC has faced funding challenges as the Ministry of Finance and Planning is not acting faster in expediting the payment of requested fund for the graduation and deployment of DDR, screening of forces and phase 2.
He said the transitional security arrangement remain a critical task and activities which remains a challenge that requires the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning to release the funds remarked for graduation, deployment of DDR and screening of forces and phase 2.
NTC urged South Sudan’s peace partners like African Union and the International Community to continue its support on implementation of the transitional security arrangement.
The NTC also stated its activities in fulfilling the mandate this month as of July 13th; they have coordinated and facilitated the meeting of security mechanism for nine structures in Bilpham.
Mr. Kuol said the meeting discussed and agreed on drawing the list of lower appliance of the command structures of the Unified Forces from the security mechanism, the parties to the agreement and submitted the list to the President for consideration.
The Interim Chairperson of the RJMEC to the 23rd RJMEC monthly meeting Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai has urged the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to urgently set the date for the graduation and redeployment of the unified forces and the commencement of phase 2 and the DDR process.