In a continuing effort to transform the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) into a peacetime military force, the Ceasefire Joint Military Committee (CJMC) recently held a workshop on the country's peace accord at SPLA Headquarters in Juba.

The workshop, attended by 75 SPLA soldiers, emphasized implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement's (CPA's) security arrangements, including full cessation of hostilities between Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the SPLA and resolution of conflicts through dialogue.

The workshop also focused on remaining challenges to fully implement the CPA and ways of tackling them. These include north-south border demarcation, transparency in oil revenue allocation, establishment of the Abyei administration, and the continued existence of other armed groups.

"The CPA as a document is a means to peace and not the desired peace on its own. Its implementation therefore is critical for the attainment of peace, which guarantees the sovereignty of all Sudanese," said an SPLA officer, who declined to be named.

The workshop also discussed SPLA/M achievements during the last three years of peace, focusing on the Abyei roadmap agreement, 97 per cent redeployment of the SAF from south to north, and 100 per cent SPLA redeployment from Eastern Sudan and transitional areas.

Opening the workshop, SPLA Lt. Gen. Oyay Deng Ajak said the SPLA was fully committed to implement the CPA to fulfill the late John Garang's vision of equality for all Sudanese. "This agreement is too good to break if both the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and the SPLM gear towards amicable settlement of their differences."

The workshop recommended reviewing the Status of the Forces agreement (SOFA) between UNMIS and the Sudanese government to accommodate Government of Southern Sudan concerns; SPLA adherence to human rights; and ensuring rehabilitation, orientation, re-integration and employment of ex-combatants.

Participants further recommended the use of severe punishment to deter illegal possession of arms by unauthorized personnel. They stressed that awareness campaigns should be conducted on the pros and cons of weapons to ensure security and accountability of recovered arms.

Similar workshops took place in Malakal and Wau in August and September, respectively, and others are planned for the remaining southern states.

The workshop was facilitated by representatives of the CJMC, SPLA general headquarters, UNMIS and the Southern Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission.