South Sudan Ceasefire Monitors Raise Alarms Over Violations

Ceasefire monitors in South Sudan expressed concerns over recent violations, specifically in Western Equatoria. Chairperson Maj Gen Yitayal highlighted ongoing armed clashes and called for restraint and dialogue from involved parties. The CTSAMVM is conducting investigations and supporting mediation efforts to address tensions, particularly in conflict-prone areas like Nasir County.

The ceasefire monitors in South Sudan have expressed their concerns regarding recent breaches of the truce during the 50th meeting of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM). Chairperson Maj Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew reported that while the ceasefire largely remains intact, there have been alarming violations occurring in Western Equatoria.

Maj Gen Yitayal noted, “For the first time in my tenure as chairman, the integrity of the ceasefire is not upheld across all of South Sudan.” Ongoing armed conflicts between the two signatory parties in the Western Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal regions have raised significant concerns, indicating these incidents are not mere misunderstandings but deliberate attacks.

The CTSAMVM Verification Teams were alerted to these clashes on January 11 and 12, which have led to civilian casualties, injuries, and displacements. The monitoring body has engaged with the Joint Monitoring and Coordination Office to address these serious violations and has deployed teams from Wau and Yambio for further investigation.

Maj Gen Yitayal condemned the armed exchanges, urging both parties to demonstrate restraint and engage in meaningful dialogue. He stated, “This is a critical moment for exemplary leadership one that embraces dialogue and fosters mediation to alleviate tensions and resolve grievances.”

Furthermore, they plan to discuss another violation in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, involving the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed civilians. Recognizing the area’s historical conflicts, the CTSAMVM supports mediation efforts and conducted an air patrol to engage with local security and civilian leaders to understand the underlying causes of the conflict.

This report highlights the ongoing monitoring efforts by the CTSAMVM in South Sudan, tasked with overseeing the implementation of ceasefire agreements amidst ongoing tensions between conflicting parties. These monitors play a crucial role in assessing compliance with ceasefire terms, identifying violations, and facilitating dialogue to promote stability in the region. The involvement of various military and civilian stakeholders is essential for understanding the complexities of the conflict and supporting peace initiatives.

The South Sudan ceasefire monitors are actively addressing recent violations of the ceasefire agreement, particularly in regions experiencing armed conflicts. As the situation evolves, there is a clear call for restraint and dialogue among the conflicting parties to mitigate violence and work towards lasting peace. Continued monitoring and engagement with local stakeholders remain critical to overcoming challenges and fostering stability in the region.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org