The UN mission in South Sudan says it has not received an official request from Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission to transport generals of the SPLM in Opposition to Juba.

They were expected in Juba on Monday to be deployed within the Joint Integrated Police unit.

The head of the advance team in Juba, Taban Deng Gai, said yesterday the government had refused to clear the UN flight intended to transport the generals from Malakal to Juba.

However, UNMISS deputy spokesperson Shantal Persuad told Eye Radio that the mission would transport the forces if the JMEC makes a formal request.

“Once we receive a formal request through the formal procedures, through the JMEC chair, to assist with the transportation, then we will,” she said.

The generals were to come ahead of a security team of 1,370 soldiers, who are required in Juba before the return of Dr Riek Machar.

He would work with President Salva Kiir to form a transitional government.