The Minister of Defense has made assurances on the security of an advance team of the SPLM in Opposition expected in Juba this month.

Gen Kuol Manyng says Dr Riek Machar will be in Juba with the leaders of IGAD countries, who will be attending a summit scheduled for next Monday.

He says the former political detainees may also come with Dr Riek Machar, and both parties could be accompanied by a force of 300 to 500 soldiers.

Gen Kuol told Eye Radio that the government is committed to the agreement and welcomes both teams home.

“I think those who may be talking of insecurity, telling them that they will be insecure are people who do not want peace,” Gen Kuol stated.

“They are happy to see these people remain out, but why? For what reason? We are people of South Sudan. It is not the first time for us to disagree, to fight. Even in our own tribes, we fight and reconcile by ourselves.”