South Sudan’s ceasefire monitors have reported alarming violations of the truce during the CTSAMVM’s 50th meeting. Chairperson Major General Yitayal Gelaw Bitew raised concerns over armed clashes, particularly in Western Equatoria, affecting ceasefire integrity. The monitors emphasized the need for restraint, dialogue, and ongoing peacebuilding efforts, particularly in conflict-prone areas like Nasir County.
The ceasefire monitors in South Sudan have expressed alarm over violations of the truce that governs the ongoing conflict. During the 50th meeting of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), Chairperson Major General Yitayal Gelaw Bitew reported concerns regarding recent conflict in Western Equatoria, noting for the first time that the integrity of the ceasefire was compromised in various regions of the country.
Major General Yitayal stated that although the ceasefire is largely holding, armed clashes between two signatory parties in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal have intensified. Reports received over the weekend of January 11 and 12 indicated that these incidents were not merely misunderstandings, but instead constituted deliberate attacks on ceasefire partners, resulting in significant loss of life and civilian displacement.
CTSAMVM condemned the ongoing armed exchanges and urged all involved parties to exercise restraint and implement sound judgment. Major General Yitayal emphasized the need for strong leadership that promotes dialogue and mediation to ease tensions and address grievances effectively.
The meeting further addressed a violation report from Nasir County, Upper Nile State, which involved confrontations between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed civilians. This area has been notorious for conflict and has historically served as the focal point for state and county-level mediation efforts.
To assess the situation, CTSAMVM conducted a joint air patrol to Nasir Town on January 16, 2025. They engaged with both security officials and civilian stakeholders to better understand the causes of conflict and to enhance peacebuilding initiatives in the region.
The ceasefire in South Sudan is a crucial mechanism aimed at ending ongoing violence and fostering peace among conflicting parties within the nation. The CTSAMVM is an essential body formed to monitor compliance with the ceasefire and address any violations that may threaten its integrity. Recent incidents in Western Equatoria and Upper Nile State highlight the fragility of this truce, prompting calls for leadership and dialogue among the involved parties to prevent further escalation.
In conclusion, the ongoing violations of the ceasefire in South Sudan pose a serious threat to peace in the region. Major General Yitayal Gelaw Bitew’s remarks underscore the necessity for prompt action and cooperation among conflicting parties to uphold the ceasefire. With continued reports of armed clashes and loss of life, the support of monitoring bodies like CTSAMVM is essential for fostering dialogue, addressing grievances, and promoting sustained peace.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
