By Yiep Joseph
Arms embargo imposed on South Susan continues to impede deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF), a critical component of the 2018 peace agreement.
Several pleas by the country’s Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) to UN security council to relax the restriction, have gone unheeded.
Though peace monitoring bodies and international partners persistently urge for expediting deployment of graduated forces, but the government insists the arms embargo has created a shortage of weapons, preventing equipping the forces.
This lack of equipment, officials argue, is the primary reason for the persistent delays.
Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Information, told Journalists during a press briefing that they are waiting for arms embargo to be lifted so that friends can help in the deployment of the NUF.
“The Unified Forces we graduated them last time with sticks and up to now they are still holding those sticks,” Makuei said.
“We are unable to get the arms for them (NUF) because of the arms embargo,” he added.
The government spokesperson expressed that the government would seek avenues to ensure that forces are deployed as stated in the agreement.
“We are keeping them up to the time when they are armed and they will go for duties, as of now they are being kept in peaceful areas not in hot spot with their sticks,” he said.
He called on the United Nations Security Council to lift the Arms embargo on South Sudan in order to allow well-wishers to help and ease the deployment process.
last year Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, called for urgent action in the deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) as a critical step in advancing South Sudan’s peace process.
Addressing the 8th Annual Governors’ Forum in Juba, Haysom emphasized that the success of the 2018 peace agreement hinges on a collective commitment to meet key objectives, including the deployment of NUF and other critical reforms.
Haysom noted that although the extension of the transitional period by two years was necessary due to the slow pace of progress, it must be accompanied by a clear and actionable work plan for the next phase of implementation.
He highlighted six immediate actions that must be prioritized to demonstrate political will and the government’s commitment to peace.
Top among them is the deployment of NUF, which Haysom referred to as essential for fostering security and paving the way for further steps in the peace process.
This includes initiating Phase II of their joint training and agreeing on the middle command structure, vital components for the effective operation of the unified forces.
“The deployment of the Necessary Unified Forces is not just a military exercise; it is a cornerstone of peace and stability,” said Haysom. “It is essential that all stakeholders, especially governors, work together to ensure that this initiative progresses without delay.”
The NUF is seen as a key element in the security sector reform efforts outlined in the peace agreement, and its deployment will play a major role in quelling subnational violence, which has surged in recent months.