By James Chatim

The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) on Tuesday said it is investigating the recent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) and armed civilians in Nasir County of Upper Nile State

The body condemned the recent violations in the areas of Central Equatoria State and Nasir County of Upper Nile.

Speaking during the 47^th CTSAMVM Board meeting in Juba yesterday, the CTSAMVM Chairperson Maj. Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew urged the signatory parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict on South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to seek peaceful resolutions.

Gelaw said there have been clashes in Upper Nile State, mainly between the SSPDF and the armed civilians, in August and October 16 and 17, 2024, promising to release the findings soon.

 He said despite the ongoing de-escalation efforts, the region remains volatile.

Gelaw urged the parties to adhere to Chapter 2 of the R-ARCSS and to ensure the protection of civilians as prescribed in the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities Act.

Also, he noted that the communities in the South of Central Equatoria State are continuing to live in fear of attacks and abductions by armed groups.

“Your Excellencies, today we follow the outlining agenda focusing on discussions regarding the permanent ceasefire. The progress of implementing the transnational security arrangements and updates from the previous Board Meeting held on September 27, 2024. The CTSAMVM Monitoring and Verification teams during this reporting period. However, we have received reports of clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, and civilian casualties in Wonduruba of Central Equatoria State,” Gelaw stated.

“CTSAMVM condemns these acts and urges the signatory parties to the R-ARCSS to seek peaceful resolutions to such issues. Currently, there is one violation report to discuss. Clashes between armed civilians and the SSPDF in Nasir County occurred in August 2024. This incident has been followed by additional clashes on October 16 and 17, 2024. Investigations are, in fact, ongoing,” he added.

While ongoing de-escalation efforts are in place, the region remains volatile. We continue to urge the parties to adhere to Chapter 2 of the R-ARCSS and to ensure the protection of civilians as prescribed in the Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities Act. Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, communities in South Central Equatoria continue to live in fear of attacks or abductions by armed groups such as the National Salvation Front, the CTSAMVM Chairperson added.

 Maj. Gen Gelaw hailed the donors to the Mechanism for their generous financial contributions and diplomatic and logistic support to the organization’s mandate in South Sudan.

CTSAMVM is an institution established by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to monitor and verify the implementation of the 2018 peace agreement between the South Sudan government and the opposition. CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs) patrol conflict-affected areas, gather information on potential violations and report it to their headquarters in Juba.