SPLM-IO calls for urgent deployment of regional force as UN prepares to vote on American proposal

The UN Security Council should approve plans to deploy regional troops in Juba with a clear mandate in order to save last August’s peace deal as soon as possible, a senior armed opposition said.

The UN Security Council should approve plans to deploy regional troops in Juba with a clear mandate in order to save last August’s peace deal as soon as possible, a senior armed opposition said.

The UN Security Council is expected to vote today on deploying a 4,000-strong regional force to Juba despite rejection from the South Sudanese government.

The United States recently submitted a proposal to the council on the regional force to restore peace in the world’s youngest nation.

Agok Makur, member of the SPLM-IO faction, reiterated their commitment to implement the peace agreement, saying the deployment of protection forces should be accelerated to ensure the return of former vice president Riek Machar.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, Agok denied accusations that they plan to undermine the peace agreement to move South Sudan under a United Nations administration.

 “The SPLM-FDs group is having its own argument, the former SPLM Secretary General is calling for an international intervention, so this is an opinion. But we in the SPLM-IO we are calling for the deployment of the regional forces to save the peace agreement” said Agok.

Meanwhile, Edmond Yakani, Executive Director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), described the UN Security Council meeting today on South Sudan as an important step in restoring peace and stability in South Sudan.

He emphasized the need to quicken the deployment of the proposed regional troops to protect citizens in Juba.

The leading activist welcomed the American draft resolution presented to the United Nations on the deployment of 4,000 troops in Juba. “Since it will restore peace and stability in South Sudan, any activity that brings peace and stability we welcome it. So the size is not important and it doesn’t concern us, the important thing is the mandate of the troops “said Yakani.

South Sudan on Wednesday rejected the US proposal at the United Nations to send 4,000 forces into Juba, saying the plan undermines the country’s sovereignty.