The ceasefire monitoring body CTSAM-VM expressed disappointment on Tuesday over the slow pace of the deployment of the Necessary United Force.
Currently, at least 3,774 troops (only 6%) have been deployed out of the 53,000 NUF graduated in the first phase of the security arrangement, according to the government.
The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism said there have been no concrete developments concerning the full deployment of phase one of the force.
In a statement during its meeting in Juba, CTSAM-VM’s chairperson Major General Hailu Gonfa Eddosa said Phase 1 graduates from the National Security, Police, Civil Defence, Wildlife and Prison Service have not been deployed.
General Gonfa sai there are no indications as to when Phase 2 of the security arrangement, which include the training and deployment of around 30,000 troops, might start.
“It is disappointing that there have been no concrete developments concerning the NUF,” he said in the CTSAM-VM technical committee meeting in Juba.
“Phase 1 graduates from the NSS, Police, Civil Defence, Wildlife and Prison Service have yet to be deployed, and there are no indications when Phase 2 training and deployment might start.”
The head of CTSAM-VM added that the formation of the necessary unified forces is a vital prerequisite for the upcoming election.
The Ethiopian national called on the unity government to take action, by expediting the process.
“So far, only about 6% of the planned 83,000-strong NUF has actually been deployed. Time is running out. Action must be taken.”
The CTSAM-VM is responsible for monitoring, verification, compliance, and reporting on the progress of the permanent ceasefire and transitional security arrangements.