South Sudanese rebel group SPLM-in-Opposition signed a peace agreement with the government in August but most its members remain in exile in neighboring countries or in rebel-held enclaves in three states of the Upper Nile region.

However, regional mediators have been pushing to accelerate the return of SPLM-IO leaders to Juba and the group has announced its readiness to send as many as 500 members as advance teams to Juba and other towns.

Per the terms of a new security agreement, the rebels will be allowed to have 1,410 armed troops in Juba in various units, including 200 military police and 620 guards for the Shared Unified Command.

These troops have also not arrived in Juba yet.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj this week, citizens expressed mixed views on the planned return of SPLM-IO officials to Juba. Many said that they would welcome them in peace while others were more skeptical. Click to listen (audio in Arabic).

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