Forces loyal to Dr Riek stand under a tree in Jonglei in 2014- BBC photo

A location for accommodating the bodyguards of First Vice President Dr Riek Machar have been identified in Juba.

The area is located behind Jebel Kunjur, according to officials. The peace deal accords the First Vice President nearly 200 bodyguards.

On Saturday, Dr Machar said he would come to Juba if adequate security arrangements are made in line with the capital’s demilitarization provided for in the August 2015 peace agreement.

A delegation comprising of the Chief of General staff of the SPLA, Minister of cabinet affairs, the Minister of Defense, and a team of SPLM-in the opposition visited the two locations on Saturday.

The SPLA Chief of General Staff, Paul Malong, says the areas are the same ones Dr Riek’s guards used before the conflict erupted.

“His guards were here before he left. So I think these areas can accommodate the same guards that are coming,” Gen Malong confirmed.

The Minister of cabinet affairs, Dr Martin Elia Lomoro, urged Dr Machar to ensure that his forces travel to Juba as soon as possible.

“We’re asking Dr Riek Machar to send his forces today, not tomorrow, so that immediately as the president said, to form the government of national unity within one week,” Dr Lomoro stated.

According to transitional security arrangements, all military forces within Juba must be cantoned outside a radius of 25Km from the capital.

It says a joint integrated police shall be deployed in Bor, Malakal, and Bentiu.