The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) urged inclusive participation in the implementation of transitional security arrangements. 

“Inclusivity means inviting all ‘parties’ to join the cantonment and DDR process peacefully, and ensuring genuine representation of the national character in all transformed institutions, said Lt. Gen. Augostino Njoroge Vice Chairperson of the JMEC peace monitoring group. 

Njoroge made the remarks at a workshop on the establishment of cantonment sites for former combatants.

The two day meeting in Juba, called by the JMEC peace monitors, discussed specific locations of the cantonment sites, criteria regarding eligibility of combatants for admission into the assembly areas and arrangements for the protection and security of the sites. 

Gen Njoroge urged the participation of all involved partners and stakeholders, saying “cantonment will require the combined efforts of the Transitional Government of National Unity, regional and international partners, including JMEC, CTSAMM and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)” adding that the process would require a ‘tremendous amount of planning, coordination and cooperation.’

UNMISS is a major partner in the peace process, featuring as one of the four main pillars in the mission mandate which can be read here.

The Agreement on the Resolution on the Conflict in South Sudan states that the cantonment sites shall be agreed upon by the SPLA and SPLA-IO.

The sites are to be situated away from the civilian population, far from borders with neighbouring countries – fitted with water and other basic utilities and have the capacity to accommodate the troops to be cantoned.

The oversight and co-ordination of forces to be cantoned is the responsibility of a 4-man Joint Military Ceasefire Commission (JMCC) comprising two Deputy Chiefs of General staff from each side.

Speaking at the same forum, the Chairman of the JMCC (SPLA) Lieutenant General James Ajongo Lieutenant General James Ajongo said communities will be consulted as the parties agree on areas where the former fighters will be assembled.  

“We will be able to involve the communities through their respective administrations,” he said, saying the consultations will be held in the counties and states. 

Cantonment of forces is to allow for the screening as well as the disarmament and demobilization of the former fighters in specific locations.