South Sudan's Defense Minister Kuol Manyang Juuk announced the withdrawal of SPLA forces to 25 kilometres outside Juba will start in the coming days.

In a press statement at the premises of the National Legislative Assembly yesterday, the minister stated nine military zones located outside the capital Juba have been identified for government forces and two areas for SPLA-In Opposition forces.

Kuol said those areas will be fully operational on 24 November. However, he pointed to lack of water and other basic services as one of challenges facing the withdrawal process.

He said the two areas for SPLA-IO forces are ready behind Jebel Karak.