By Classic FM

The spokesperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) appreciated the progress made so far in the security arrangements, stressing that there is positivity in the process.

However, Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel while receiving two battalions of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF) deployed to Juba from Upper Nile last Thursday, said the forces are yet to receive their salaries.

After the approval of the 2023/2024 fiscal year budget, the Necessary Unified Forces from the side of the government continued to receive their salaries, while those from the opposition were left out.

This is despite the expectation that their salaries would be factored into this year’s budget.

Soldiers from the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA) and SPLA-IO have not received a salary since they graduated a year ago.

Col. Lam calls on the Ministry of Finance and Planning to pay the salaries to enable the soldiers to support their families.

“The peace is going on very well and the security arrangement is currently on the right track. One positive thing is the spirit in which things are moving forward. But the challenge remains, these forces are yet to be paid,” he said, adding “We always hear that they are going to be paid. They need to receive some salaries so that they are able to do something for their families.”

Besides, Col. Lam appreciated that the soldiers from Upper Nile to Juba are well armed compard with those deployed to Malakal last month.

“I’ve seen these ones that came from Upper Nile they are properly armed which is a very good sign. Wherever they will be delayed, they are able to defend themselves and also defend the country and the constitution. So I am so happy,” he added.

Two battalions of 1,500 soldiers arrived in Juba on Thursday and are currently in Luri training centre awaiting to be dispatched to different areas.