Training of unified forces expected to start by the first week of January.

The deputy chairperson of the National Pre-transitional Committee Gabriel Changson Chang has said the training of unified forces is expected to start by the first week of January. 

Speaking to Radio Miraya, Changson said the forces being transported to 18 training centers will undergo another stage of screening before selection for training specified for Police, National Security, and Army. 

Changson Chan stressed that the security mechanisms should ensure fast-tracking the training and deployment of forces so that the 22 February deadline for the formation of a transitional government is met. 

On the pending issue of the number of states in #SouthSudan, Gabriel Changson said the last consultation with the political parties ended with several options as other signatories to the peace deal stood with a proposal of 23+1 and the government defended 32 states. 

Changson however hinted at the possibility of going beyond 32 states. 

Changson told Radio Miraya, that the Deputy President of South Africa will run a shuttle diplomacy that will include meetings with President Salva Kiir, Dr Riek Machar as well as the Sudanese and Ugandan guarantors this week.