An SPLA general representing South Sudan's government and a general of the SPLA-IO today signed a 'breakthrough' agreement on the security arrangements for Juba during the upcoming transitional period.

The document limits the number of military troops in Juba and National Security Service personnel to 4830 only, including 3420 from the government side and 1410 from the SPLM-IO side.

All other soldiers in Juba must withdraw from the city by a distance of at least 25 kilometres per the terms of the August peace agreement.

Haile Michael, IGAD Communications Officer, told Radio Tamazuj that the document signed today “has been praised as a breakthrough by all parties that will pave the way for the full and expeditious implementation of the agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan.”

A group of Joint Integrated Police will also be deployed in Juba with 1,500 from each side for a total of 3,000 joint police.

Major-Gen. Marshal Stephen Babanen signed the agreement on behalf of the government and Lt-Gen. James Koang Chuol Ranley signed on behalf of SPLM/A-IO.

The SPLM Former Detainees also adhered to the document, represented by Oyai Deng Ajak. IGAD Special Envoys Seyoum Mesfin, Lazaro Sumbeiywo and Mohamed El-Dabi witnessed the agreement.

This compromise was signed after talks between the chief negotiators and military command representatives from 21 Octoer to 3 November.