UN calls for deployment of first batch of unified forces ahead of elections

By Awan Achiek

The United Nations peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan on Thursday called for the deployment of the first batch of necessary unified forces to boost security ahead of the December 2024 elections.

Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General said the deployment of the troops will help to provide security before and during elections.

“It is essential to expedite the deployment of the first batch of the graduated forces and the commencement of Phase II,” Haysom said in a statement read by Musa Gassama during the RJMEC monthly plenary meeting held in Juba.

Haysom said conducting free, fair, and credible elections requires a safe and secure environment.

“Free, fair, and credible elections require a safe and secure environment. It is with increasing concern that I note the delays in the finalization of the Transitional Security Arrangements.”

He urged the government to provide funds to security mechanism to fast-track the implementation of security sector reforms stipulated in 2018 peace deal.

 “Security sector reform must receive adequate logistical and political support, and in this regard, I recognize the progress made in the Strategic Defense and Security Review and urge the parties to convene in order to validate these important documents,” Haysom said.

He also urged the government to commence a comprehensive national program of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration without delay.

The first batch of unified forces consisting of 53,000 personnel graduated in August last year.

Under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, the parties are supposed to graduate a total of 83,000 unified forces including police, army and intelligent units to take charge of the country’s security.

The delay in their deployment has slowed down the start of training of the second batch of unified forces.