Forces loyal to Dr Riek stand under a tree in Jonglei in 2014- BBC photo

The UN has rejected a request by the SPLM in Opposition to transport its armed members from Pagak to Juba for the implementation of the peace agreement.

Under the peace agreement, the SPLM in Opposition will deploy some of its forces in Juba and in some state capitals in the Upper Nile region.

In Juba, it will contribute 1,410 soldiers while the government contributes some 3,400 to a joint force of almost 5,000 personnel.

The rest of the government forces in Juba will be redeployed 25 kilometers outside the town.

The government needs the opposition forces to be in Juba before redeploying its soldiers.

The spokesperson of the advance team in Juba, William Ezekiel, says their forces are ready to come to Juba but have no means of transport.

He told Eye Radio that the UN mission in the country has refused to transport them unless they leave their guns.

“They have already assembled in their area and they’re just waiting,” Mr Ezekiel said.

The UN has confirmed its refusal to transport the forces.

UNMISS spokesperson Ariane Quentier says the mission will only offer assistance through the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission.

“We are not directly dealing with any of the parties to the conflict; we would not take a request directly from any side to the conflict but if the JMEC requests, we will do it,” Ms Quentier stated.

Last week, all the parties to the peace agreement agreed to form a transitional government soon and address other issues later, including the creation of more states.

The security arrangements are among other tasks ahead of the formation of a transitional government of national unity.

(Additional information by Emmanuel Akile)