The South Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (DDR) on Tuesday visited Panyier unified forces training site in the outskirts of Bor town, Jonglei State, to inspect and create awareness about the importance of DDR.
Speaking to reporters in Panyier, Lt. Gen. Marial Chanuong Yuol, a member of the DDR Commission, said they briefed forces on how the program will help those who will miss out on selection into the national army and other regular forces after their graduation.
“We came to talk so that they will be ready whenever the forces graduate. Those who will not be eligible for the organized forces will go to their community through the process of receiving them from the training center,” Gen. Marial said. "They will then be taken to a facility camp where we will now be able to give them some training to give them skills and knowledge so that they will be able to sustain lives in their communities.”
The military boss said they are working out the eligibility criteria ahead of the graduation of the forces.
Santino Anthony, a Panyier trainee, welcomed the visit and used the occasion to raise concerns about food shortages affecting them due to delays in their graduation.
“So far, since the opening of this training center, there is a lack of food. Food is brought, brought but very little. It is said to be for one month. It takes three to five months without food,” Anthony lamented.
Reintegration into community life for those unable to serve in the military and other organized forces is one of the processes provided for in the peace agreement through the DDR mechanism.
Jameh David, a prominent civil society activist in Juba, said the DDR process is behind schedule and warned that the process will likely not see light if the security arrangements are not implemented.
“DDR is something which should have happened shortly after the signing of the agreement and we know that it is one of the critical items of ensuring that South Sudan moves towards a path to stability,” Jameh explained, “Institutionally, I am not sure if the DDR is well resourced, not only with money but also competent individuals who are going to stand the test of moral integrity. Again, there is the issue of mistrust if people are to hand over their guns and this rampant insecurity will hold the process back.”