Troika won’t transport heavily armed SPLA-IO

The Troika has confirmed that it will not transport the first security team of the SPLM in Opposition forces to Juba with heavy weapons.

The group, consisting of the US, Norway and Britain, says they are being guided by the rules of their membership as well as provisions of the peace agreement.

Last week, both parties blamed the Troika for failing to transport 1,370 SPLA-IO troops to Juba.

The opposition in particular said it forces were stranded in Kaldak, South of Malakal, because they were not allowed to travel to Juba with heavy guns.

The forces are required in the capital for the return of Dr Riek Machar, who would then work with President Salva Kiir to form a transitional government.

But Troika says they could only transport the forces with light weapons.

“There are some things which we as donors will contribute for and we can justify that to our tax payers in our countries and that is something we cannot and will not,” said Timothy Morris, UK’s ambassador to South Sudan.

“So separate arrangement needs to be made by the parties, and that is not in our views a problem.”

Mr Tim also said the UN Security Council is discussing ways to increase pressure on the two main parties to form a unity government within this month.