South Sudan parliament confirmed 70% of the army defected to the opposition!

Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) soldiers take part in their 29th anniversary celebrations in South Sudan’s capital Juba, May 16, 2012. Photo: Reuters

February 17, 2014 [JUBA] — Members of Parliament on Monday revealed that at least 70 percent of the organized forces defected to the opposition side following the national political crisis in December.

Government Chief Whip Odongi Tulio Ayahu told the national legislature that they realized 70 percent of the SPLA became loyal to Dr Riek Machar Teny.

He appealed for the refilling of the gap, calling on the allied forces not to withdraw from the country until such a weakness was addressed.

Odongi urged the government and the presidency in particular to acquire air, land and water defence weapons to secure the country.
MP Aleu Ayeny Aleu of Tonj North County of Warrap State told the Assembly that the Upper Nile region was particularly hard hit by defections.
The legislator who doubles as the Minister of Interior lamented that his ministry was terribly affected because many of the officers defected to the opposition movement.

Meanwhile, the parliament approved a Supplementary Budget and Appropriation Bill with unanimous assent of the members.

Finance Minister Aggrey Tisa Sabuni said the 749 million pounds would help address the crisis situation in the country.

500 million South Sudanese Pounds was reallocated to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and 249 million Pounds for Contingency Fund to meet humanitarian needs and public mobilization by the Crisis Management Committee.

The legislature recommended allocating also 20 million pounds for an oxygen plant for the health ministry and 53 million pounds to the Agricultural Bank.
Radio Tamazuj, reporting by Catholic Radio Network.