SPLA-IO proposes 12,000-strong VIP Protection Unit

The SPLA-IO is proposing a joint force of at least twelve thousand soldiers to form a VIP protection unit.

Deputy SPLA-IO spokesperson, Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel says an entire division is required to provide adequate security for the yet-to-be established unity government, in contrast to a joint force of 700 soldiers provided for in the peace agreement.

Lam Paul says they are waiting for feedback from the Joint Defence Board on their proposal before they mobilize their troops for cantonment in Rajaf.

The training of the presidential protection unit commenced on Friday at Rajaf Police Training Centre without SPLM-IO and forces of the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).

Spokesperson Lam Paul Gabriel says the government and opposition would provide equal number of soldiers under the command of the Joint Defence Board.

Col. Lam Paul spoke to Robert Ohia in this interview.