The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission has welcomed the agreement on phased security arrangements between the government and the SPLM in Opposition.

The tentative agreement says the SPLM-In Opposition will immediately deploy 1,370 forces instead of more than 2,000 troops demanded by their leader, Dr. Riek Machar.

“The arrival of these SPLM/A (IO) forces will constitute the first phase of security arrangements for the capital,” it said in a statement.

Both sides agree that this number of troops and police would be sufficient for the return of the First Vice President, Dr Riek Machar.

Dr Riek is required in Juba for the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity.

The JMEC says the movement of other security forces to Juba will be conducted after the formation of the government.