The Central Equatoria State government says it has not yet received official communication, requesting land to establish SPLA bases outside Juba town where the army will be relocated.

According to the peace agreement, the army is supposed to be moved 25kms out of Juba during the interim period.

The SPLA command recently identified eight points, majorly on main exit routes from the city, including the the Juba-Nimule road, Juba-Torit road and Juba-Kajo-kejo road, among others.

Last Tuesday, SPLA spokesperson Colonel Philip Aguer said the army is waiting for approval from the state authorities before they can start construction of barracks at those points.

“We will be more than ready to seat as a government to see modalities on how we can respond and ensure we implement the issue of the 25 kilometers. Therefore, we are prepared, awaiting this official request to enable [us] to engage with the local leadership,” said Emmanuel Adel, the state Information Officer.

The peace agreement states stipulates that the army should be moved out of Juba within 30 days of its signing, and the that the process should be completed within 90 days.

Only a limited size of organized forces, jointly, from both the government and the SPLM/IO will be redeployed within Juba. They will guard key government installations and ensure law and order, among other duties.