The government delegation to the IGAD Security Workshop say the SPLM in Opposition has refused to sign the arrangements on the operationalisation of a permanent ceasefire.

The workshop was conducted to discuss transitional security, and permanent ceasefire arrangements among other issues.

Honorable Peter Bashir Gbendi is the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and is also the Spokesperson of the delegation.

He says during the workshop, both the government and the opposition sides declared all locations of their military forces and bases, to facilitate their disengagement and reintegration.

Honorable Bashir says they also agreed on the security arrangements in the Greater Upper Nile region; which includes Upper Nile, Unity and Jonglei states.

But he says they failed to agree on the number of forces to be deployed in Juba, during the interim period.

“At the last minute, the rebels started backtracking; they were even questioning the rationale of forces which are supposed to remain in Juba,” said Mr. Bashir, addressing reporters upon arrival from Addis Ababa at the Juba International Airport yesterday.

He said the agreement was only signed by the government side, and the Former Detainees, [FDs].

“….we agreed on all the seven agenda items and we signed. Actually, General Ruben signed on our behalf, and the FDs [Former Detainees] also signed, but the rebel are insisting.”

Honorable Bashir said the government proposed that 5,000 troops from the organized forces, including the Presidential Guards and a Joint Police to remain in Juba during the interim period and guard key installations.

The SPLM in Opposition rejected the proposal.

The Opposition Deputy Spokesperson, Dickson Gatluack told Eye Radio that they want the number of all organized forces to be deployed in Juba to be reduced to less than 500.

It is not clear what steps IGAD will take on the side of the opposition.

Honorable Bashir said they are now waiting for IGAD to come on ground and initiate the permanent ceasefire implementation process.