August 6th 2019 (Nyamilepedia) – South Sudan’s main armed opposition group, SPLM-IO, has released thirty-two (32) children who have been serving in its rank and file since 2016, peace monitors said Monday.
In a brief statement on its website, the Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) said it witnessed the release of 32 child soldiers by the SPLA-IO.
According to the body tasked with monitoring the permanent ceasefire agreement signed in June 2018 by the government and opposition groups, the release of the child soldiers was conducted last month in Southern Liech state.
“MVT Leer witnessed the return of 32 child soldiers to their families on 23 July,” the body said in a brief statement seen by the Nyamilepedia on Monday.
The body further said the release was conducted in present of its verification team in Leer.
“MVT Leer confirmed the children had served with the SPLM/SPLA-IO Division B since 2016,” the statement added.
