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October 10, 2011 (JUBA) – The United States’ Department of Defense (DOD) has initiated a dialogue with South Sudan Armed Forces (SSAF) in order to raise its capacity as a professional army, according to South Sudanese officials.
- Sudanese soldiers march in Juba, South Sudan, in 2008 (all voices)
SSAF is the new name of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), the former guerrilla army that fought against north Sudan for more than two decades until a peace agreement ending the war was signed in 2005.
The peace deal paved the way for South Sudan’s independence which was declared in July this year.
A delegation of the Pentagon met on Monday with senior officials at South Sudan’s ministry of defence and SSAF to agree on the modalities of the dialogue.
Majak Agot, South Sudan’s deputy minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, said in a press release after the meeting that the US will work with South Sudan to raise the capacity of the SPLA as a professional army.
Agot further added that the issues of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) among others related to democratic governance and human rights were also discussed.
In August 2009, the DOD revealed its intention to assist in the SPLA’s "transition from a guerrilla force to one that can provide adequate defense capabilities for its people and territory,"
"Professional military education and training for officers and enlisted personnel is one key aspect; an air defense capability might be relevant," DOD spokeswoman Lt. Colonel Almarah Belk said.
Meanwhile, SSAF’s Chief of General Staff, James Hoth Mai, confirmed in a separate statement that the disarmament process in South Sudan was progressing well in the three states of Warrap, Lakes and Unity states, saying that a good number of guns were already collected during the one month exercise.
According to local officials 3,299 guns have been from Warrap State’s Tonj East County alone.
(ST)
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