Torit State government dispatched about six hundred and forty-two South Sudan People’s Defence Forces or SSPDF of Division Seven to Owingkibul for training.
The forces were assembled at Torit State main military barrack before their departure to the training centre.
While addressing the forces, Major General Victor Odong commander for Division Seven says unifying forces will help pave the way for peace to prevail in the country.
‘During our struggle that we started in our time, we started far to see the last integration in South Sudan. This is the last integration and no any South Sudanese should go back to war again. So if there is anybody who violates the integration process will be held accountable. This integration means nobody should fight again with one another; this issue is a general issue to all South Sudanese. If anyone fights you before you should unite and reconcile and be together, we don’t want to hear revenge to one who does before’. he stresses.
Meanwhile Brigadier General Weiu Akoon Weiu Brigade Three Commander in Torit State urges forces to forget their differences and embrace peace and reconciliation.
‘We see your energy unifying force. You are going to be combined together with SPLM IO, staying together is not a bad thing and unifying forces based on agreement. Our mandate of SSPDF is to protect civilians and their property. SSPDF will open way for peace’, he says.
‘When you reach there, you should listen to your trainers. You will listen well. Discipline will remain in place. Army will always be there for a country. This thing is very important when you reach there, don’t differentiate that this one is from the other side. We are all South Sudanese’, Akoon advises.
He adds that ‘You are going to be trained together with IO, IO are the people you fight with. I don’t want someone to disobey instructions in training. Your trainers are there; your commanders are there well trained IO and SSPDF. They are staying there. I want discipline in a place of training. You are going for training and they are going to do unification later. You must stay as one soldier. The name of IO will not be there only in party, but in the army, you will take one name SSPDF. You are the one protecting south Sudan’.
Torit State Governor, Tobiolo Alberio Oromo calls for obedience among the forces.
About one thousand and eighty-three SSPDF and eight thousand seven hundred and eighty-six SPLA-IO and SSOA forces including, the military, National security, police, wildlife officers drawn from Kapoeta State, are expected to attend the training in Torit State.