Over 600 Unified Forces Arrive in Torit, Ready for Deployment

By Theophilous Ochang

Around 683 members of the necessary unified forces arrived in Torit from Juba on Tuesday for deployment.

The NUF personnel, comprising infantry, engineers, and medical teams, were warmly welcomed by local authorities and community members.

Addressing the parade in Torit on Wednesday, Major Gen. Angong Angom, the commander of Division 7 advised the forces to shun tribalism and focus on defending the country.

“This is Eastern Equatoria; this is your place of work and we don’t want somebody to enter your midst and say you are from Acholi or Dinka. You are the forces of the nation,” he said.

The NUF is a joint initiative of the South Sudanese government which aimed at addressing security challenges and fostering reconciliation in the country. The deployment of this contingent in Torit is part of the ongoing efforts to consolidate peace and pave the way for sustainable development.

The governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong, said Torit is the historical land of love and peace and the soldiers are welcome to continue maintaining security.

“I want to tell you, you who have been brought to Eastern Equatoria, the state of love, the state of peace, and the South Sudan we have today,” he stated.

“The liberation started in this state, where you are standing now. So, you are welcome to Torit,” said Lobongo, referring to the 1955 Torit mutiny

Governor Lobong described the deployment of unified forces as a long awaited process by the citizens.

“We need you to come and fight criminals who are stealing cattle, abducting people’s children and stopping vehicles along the highways,” He added.

Governor Lobong encourages the NUF to embark on agriculture in order to produce adequate food that will sustain their lives.

The deployment of the NUF in Torit is expected to contribute significantly to the overall security situation in the region, providing a conducive environment for dialogue and reconciliation.