Army, SPLA-IO commanders discuss free movement of soldiers in Maiwut

An SPLA-IO commander on Saturday met with the government army commander in the town of Pagak in Maiwut State where the two sides discussed free movement of civilians and soldiers in the state, a spokesman for the army said.

An SPLA-IO commander on Saturday met with the government army commander in the town of Pagak in Maiwut State where the two sides discussed free movement of civilians and soldiers in the state, a spokesman for the army said.

Army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang told Radio Tamazuj on Sunday that the two military officials agreed to work together to implement the revitalized peace agreement.

“SPLA-IO Commander Ochan Puot came with his forces and met with our military commander in Pagak. The SPLA-IO commander was received by our military commander in the area and the governor of Maiwut state,” he said.

Lul explained that the meeting between the two military officials aims to encourage unhindered movement of civilians and soldiers in the area after the signing of the peace agreement.

"The two sides agreed to allow free movement of civilians and soldiers. If our soldier wants to visit his family outside the town of Pagak, he can go without restriction,” Lul said.

Last year, government forces captured the opposition stronghold in Pagak on the Ethiopian border, after fighting with opposition forces.