The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-IO) said it trusts the signed security arrangements deal, pointing out that it could guarantee peace in the war-torn country.

The security deal covered major issues – demilitarising population centres of military forces, a timeframe to unify the army, forming a joint security committee, and deciding on cantonment sites.

“No more repeat of 2016. The security arrangements are tied this time round, so we rely on the security arrangements we signed. Without security arrangements, this peace will not last, so the security arrangements are the only guarantee of the implementation of the peace agreement, “Henry Odwar, deputy chairman of the SPLM-IO movement, told Radio Tamazuj.

“The security arrangements have to be within the timeline of eight months. If there is any extension, it has to be discussed by the parties,” he added.

He reiterated his group’s pledge to bring lasting peace in the country saying the peace and stability South Sudan will enjoy is their priority, and vowed that the SPLM-IO movement will not allow anybody to jeopardize the signed agreement.

Odwar, who is a former legislator in Juba, said they will return to the capital to implementation the signed peace pact in spirit and letter, pointing out that the security deal had already addressed their concerns.

“We are not going to Juba the way we went last time. The security arrangements are properly clear and we shall have a united army,” he said.

“We want a durable peace. We are going to go for election so that the people of South Sudan elect the kind of leadership they want to lead them,” he added.

Federalism in South Sudan

Hinary Odwar said that their movement demands for a federal system during the constitution making process since the current form of government has not brought progress to the country.

He explained that they need a viable federal system to ensure that power and resources are given to the level government. “What we want is not just a name,” Odwar said.

The top opposition official urged all proponents of federalism and other opposition groups to work together throughout the transitional period until time comes for general elections.

“We have almost the same vision and goal, so we are calling upon the opposition groups to come and work together until we reach elections,”  Odwar said.