JUBA, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan authorities on Tuesday beefed up security in Juba and its environs to ensure a crime-free environment during peace deal celebrations to be attended by regional leaders.
Lul Ruai Koang, the government army spokesman, told Xinhua in Juba that the deployment of the joint security forces is to provide maximum protection to all residents, including the invited foreign dignitaries, regional Heads of States and government.
"All the military arrangements have been completed for the day as instructed by the leadership. A joint security has been set up and deployed in several areas of the town, including Juba airport, hotels and markets to provide safety," Koang said.
He said the joint security patrols will also be enhanced around the capital to ensure a crime-free environment and urged members of the residents not to panic during the peace pact celebrations.
Rebel leader Riek Machar is expected to attend the celebrations aimed at showcasing the recently signed peace deal to South Sudanese.
"The security is tightened. Every place in this country is secured. The South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) will be deployed to supervise overall security in Juba and across the nation," Koang said.
President Salva Kiir, his former deputy and turned-foe Machar, and several other opposition groups signed a power-sharing deal in September in Ethiopia to end hostilities that claimed thousands of lives while creating one of the world's biggest refugee crises.
