CTSAMVM says Nasir conflict, politicians’ arrest pose threat to na
Chairperson of the ceasefire monitor stated that the violations of the ceasefire would cause huge suffering to the people in the country.
By James Chatim
The ceasefire monitors said the recent clashes and the continued arrest of government high-ranking officials pose serious threats to the existing stability the partners worked hard to achieve.
The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) made the statement on Thursday during the Technical Committee Meeting in Juba.
In his address at the meeting, Maj Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, Chairperson CTSAMVM hinted that the violations of the ceasefire would cause huge suffering to the people in the country.
He said the impact of the intense fighting between SSPDF and White Army in Nasir required to be addressed with urgency.
“It is with deep concern that I address you today. This reporting period has been marked by a series of clashes and violent incidents in different parts of South Sudan, posing a serious threat to the stability we have worked so hard to achieve,” Gen Gelaw stated.
“These violations of the permanent ceasefire are not only setbacks to the peace process but also a cause of immense suffering for civilians caught in the crossfire. The impact of these incidents cannot be overstated, and we must address them with the utmost urgency.”
For instance, the Upper Nile State has witnessed intense fighting between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army, he said.
Also, Gelaw highlighted that ongoing arrests of high-ranking government officials and military officers in Juba and the violent conflict in Nasir are causing a high level of anxiety to many stakeholders of the R-ARCSS.
CTSAMVM reiterated the condemnation by the IGAD Executive Secretary, the IGAD Ambassadors in Juba, and the RJMEC on the conflict in Nasir and calld on all the parties involved to exercise maximum restraint.
On Wednesday, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) urged all parties in South Sudan to de-escalate tensions in Upper Nile State, warning that continued violence could jeopardize the fragile peace process.
IGAD emphasized its commitment to ensuring peace in the country, reaffirming its role as the principal guarantor of the South Sudan peace process. “We are certain that the wisdom of regional leadership will prevail to chart a path forward and avert a return to conflict,” IGAD stated.
The statement came during the bloc’s virtual 43rd summit. IGAD commended the efforts of leaders across the region who have engaged with South Sudanese authorities to defuse tensions. “We deeply appreciate H.E. Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia, H.E. William Ruto of Kenya, and H.E. Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud of Somalia for their direct engagements with South Sudan’s leadership to calm the situation in Nasir,” IGAD said.
To address the crisis, IGAD outlined urgent recommendations, including immediate ceasefire, dialogue between South Sudanese leaders, and the release of detained officials. “All parties must unequivocally and unconditionally cease hostilities and adhere strictly to the permanent ceasefire,” IGAD stated. It also called for an independent investigation into the Nasir clashes and the UN helicopter attack.