The SSPDF has revealed that logistical challenges and flooding have hampered the graduation of the first batch of unified forces in training centers in the Upper Nile and Bahr el Ghazal regions and also in Eastern Equatoria State.

On Tuesday, more than 20,000 soldiers from the different groups which are signatories to the peace agreement graduated in Juba as part of the Necessary Unified Forces which will form the national army.

Major General Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesman, told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that the graduation of the unified forces in the training centers in Upper Nile and Bahr el Ghazal regions and Owingkibol and Moroto in Equatoria is facing challenges and that no specific date has been set for them to pass out.

The training center in Upper Nile region have become isolated due to the flood waters and the soldiers there will move to Malakal and Bentiu towns for their graduation,” revealed. “I cannot specify the date for the graduation of the remaining forces within the first batch, but when the arrangements are completed, they will be graduated and then the second batch will be admitted to the training centers.”

Gen. Ruai said the arrangements to distribute military uniforms and food to those camps were underway. He added that the biggest challenge in Equatoria is transporting the soldiers from the training camps to where they will graduate.

“The opposition forces in Moroto are just waiting for transportation and all the equipment is ready, including military uniforms and food,” he said.

For his part, Lam Paul Gabriel, the SPLA-IO spokesperson said the joint security mechanism has designated the period from 30 August 30 to 30 November for the graduation of the first batch of unified forces.

“The period from 30 August 30 to November is set for the graduation of the first batch then the second batch will enter into the training camps and complete training in March 2023,” he said. “But we expect the arrangements to reach April 2023 due to challenges.”

“We in the opposition are happy with the graduation of the first batch which was supposed to happen a long time ago and despite the violations and challenges, we have overcome the crisis,” Col. Lam added.