Peace monitor says lack of funds delaying graduation of unified forces

The much-awaited graduation of unified forces to take charge of security during the ongoing transitional period continues to delay due to financial constraints, according to peace monitors.

Charles Tai Gituai, head of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) revealed on Wednesday that the lack of sufficient funding is delaying the graduation of the necessary unified forces expected to comprise 83,000 personnel.

 “Training of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) has stalled, and no graduation or redeployment plans have been announced. The lack of sufficient funding to the security mechanisms is a constraint,” said Gituai in a statement issued in Juba.

He disclosed that cantonment sites and training centres continue to face serious logistical constraints, such as food, medicines and sufficient shelter, adding that female combatants continue to lack appropriate facilities and personal hygiene items.

Gituai said that widespread sub-national violence has exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation in South Sudan, in addition to floods, COVID-19 related restrictions, acute food insecurity and economic challenges.