SA, South Sudan sign military defence agreement

South Africa and South Sudan have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in Defence.

The agreement between the two countries will see their armies conduct joint military exercises, training and  capacity building.

South Africa’s Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the agreement will pave the way for the formation of defence committee, which will meet regularly and advice on areas of cooperation.

Her South Sudan counterpart Kuol Manyang Juuk said the agreement will strengthen relations between the two countries.

The agreement will see the exchange of  knowledge and training in peace keeping and support between South Africa and South Sudan as well capacity building.

The two countries’ defence committees will agree on areas of co-operation.

Mapisa-Nqakula says, “It’s important for the defence force to have contact with our defence force so that maybe they can take a few lessons including lessons for mistakes which we may have committed.”

Also in focus is the current security situation in the country, where a civil war has left thousands dead and at least a quarter of a million children on the throes of starvation.

South Africa is a guarantor to a cessation of hostilities agreement that has been violated several times.

For more on the story listen to audio package below: