The governor of Yei River State has welcomed the Joint Defence Board’s decision to approve Panyume as a cantonment site and Morta as a training centre for opposition troops in the state.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony said his government supports the full implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, adding that establishing a cantonment site will help restore stability and peace in the conflict-affected areas.

He urged all opposition forces in the state to urgently report to the cantonment site to expedite the implementation of the peace deal.

“I am grateful that finally Panyume has been approved as the official cantonment area and Morta shall be the training center in Yei River State. This is a great chance for our young men and women who are still taking up arms in hiding to report to Panyume cantonment area which doesn’t belong to only the SPLA-IO, but anyone who has taken up arms against the government and is ready to end bloodshed and join the peace process,” Adil said.

He added, “And as a government, we welcome all those who want to join peace and shall be accorded the necessary protection”.

The governor urged citizens to prepare for the formation of the unity government and also welcomed the opposition forces back home.

 “As we enter into the process of formation of the new government on November 12, let’s prepare to receive our brothers in the opposition forces. Some of them will share government positions while others will be in the organized forces,” Adil said.

Earlier this year, the state lawmakers expressed reservations about the national government’s decision to approve Panyume as a base for the opposition forces, arguing that the area borders Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).