South Sudan’s ceasefire monitors are alarmed by violations, particularly in Western Equatoria. During the recent CTSAMVM meeting, Maj Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew reported concerning clashes among signatory parties, leading to casualties and civilian displacement. The CTSAMVM urges restraint and advocates for constructive dialogue to address the ongoing conflicts, including issues in Nasir County involving the SSPDF and civilians.
The Chairperson of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), Maj Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, has expressed significant concerns regarding ceasefire violations in South Sudan, notably in Western Equatoria. During the 50th meeting of the CTSAMVM, he stated that while the ceasefire was largely intact, recent clashes indicated serious breaches among the signatory parties.
Maj Gen Yitayal officially reported that the integrity of the ceasefire is being compromised, marking a troubling development during his leadership. Notably, armed confrontations were recorded between factions in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal, contradicting the intended peace efforts.
During an investigation initiated into clashes occurring on January 11 and 12, consistent accounts suggested deliberate aggression rather than misunderstandings among involved parties. The resulting violence has led to casualties, injuries, and civilian displacement, prompting immediate engagement from CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams.
Expressing condemnation of the skirmishes, Maj Gen Yitayal urged both parties to uphold restraint, encouraging constructive dialogue to mitigate tensions and resolve conflicts. He also highlighted an upcoming discussion on violations reported from Nasir County, where the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed civilians have been involved.
Further, he mentioned the importance of addressing ongoing hostilities in Nasir, a region previously troubled by conflict and a focus of mediation efforts. CTSAMVM, along with its Technical Committee members, plans a collaborative approach by conducting dynamic air patrols in Nasir Town to facilitate conflict resolution and peace initiatives.
The context of this report revolves around the ongoing ceasefire efforts in South Sudan, where historical conflicts have led to a fragile peace. The CTSAMVM plays a crucial role in monitoring the ceasefire and ensuring compliance among military factions. Despite previous successes in maintaining peace, the emergence of recent clashes shows the challenges faced in sustaining this truce. The highlighted case in Western Equatoria underlines the persistent tensions and calls for effective dialogue and mediation to address the underlying grievances that fuel conflicts among the parties involved. The situation in Nasir County reflects a broader pattern of instability in various regions of South Sudan, necessitating continued engagement from international and local stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts.
In conclusion, the CTSAMVM’s recent meeting has brought to light serious violations of the ceasefire in South Sudan, particularly highlighting ongoing violence in Western Equatoria and Nasir County. Chairperson Maj Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew emphasized the necessity for both parties to prioritize restraint and dialogue. As the situation evolves, the continued monitoring and mediation efforts remain vital for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
