South Sudan’s Vice President James Wani Igga has issued an administrative order forming a committee tasked with preparing to receive the advance team of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO).

Wani’s order broadcast by the government-owned South Sudan Television on Wednesday, appointed finance minister David Deng Athorbei as the head of the preparatory and reception committee and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Peter Bashir Gbandi as his deputy.

Several other members were also appointed and given different roles in various subcommittees comprising members of police force, security services and defense officials.

The work of the committee, according to the terms of the reference of the administrative order, will be to organize and receive the group. The committee is also mandated to identify suitable places and accommodation as well as working with members of the security organs and members of army to identify and assign personnel to provide adequate security and protection.

This follows statements by Minister Michael Makuei Lueth expressing reservations about the return of the SPLM-IO to Juba.

Photo: James Wani Igga meeting with SPLM-FD and SPLM-IO representatives in Juba, 3 December 2015 (AU)