SPLA spokesperson Col. Philip Aguer says establishment of new military barracks outside Juba city has not yet started, saying its needs approval from the local authorities in Central Equatoria State.

Although the government agreed in the August peace agreement to demilitarize Juba with the exception of presidential guards and forces to guard military bases and warehouses, it has not begun the process of withdrawing its forces.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Aguer said the establishment of barracks must be accepted by the Central Equatoria government and civil administration.

“The organized forces have not yet withdrawn,” he said. “The withdrawal has been delayed because Riek Machar’s forces have not signed the ceasefire and security arrangements,” he added.

Philip Aguer also stated that Ugandan troops will not leave South Sudan before the armed opposition led by Riek Machar signs minutes of a security arrangements workshop held recently in Addis Ababa. This contradicts statements made by Ugandan officials last week.

He accused the rebels of violating the ceasefire agreement repeatedly. Aguer pointed out that the withdrawal of foreign troops will not be possible before the armed opposition shows commitment to the signed peace agreement.

The withdrawal of Ugandan forces was a key rebel demand during drawn-out talks which led to a peace deal in August. All foreign forces were meant to have left by 10 October.