South Sudan monitors call for dialogue to ease verification of violations

JUBA – The Chairperson of the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), Major General Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, on Tuesday urged the parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement to remove obstacles hindering the verification of violations.

“Until a consensus can be reached, the national monitors will no longer contribute to monitoring and verification activity within areas previously assigned to the three closed monitoring and verification teams,” said Bitew during the CTSAMVM board meeting held at Beijing Hotel in Juba.

He appealed to senior party representatives to engage in constructive dialogue that promotes operational monitoring and verification capability across the country.

Bitew stated that such hindrances have forced CTSAMVM to suspend investigations into violations committed in Motot Payam of Uror County in Jonglei State.

“The Monitoring and Verification Teams previously based at Aweil, Bor, and Torit were closed due to budgetary constraints. Currently, there is no consensus between the signatory parties and CTSAMVM regarding the reallocation of the areas of responsibility of the closed MVTs,” he said.

Bitew also expressed CTSAMVM’s grave concern about reports of clashes between armed youth and South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) soldiers in Nasir County of Upper Nile State. He added that the clashes have reportedly led to the death and wounding of individuals from both sides.

He said that CTSAMVM has consulted with the United Nations Air Operations to facilitate movement to conduct investigations into the alleged violations across the country.

“It is crucial that we remain committed to supporting the peace process, enhancing dialogue among stakeholders, and addressing the urgent needs of the South Sudanese people. Together, we can foster a more peaceful and prosperous future for South Sudan,” said Bitew.

On July 25, 2024, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army -in Opposition (SPLA-IO) issued a statement alleging that SSPDF forces had attacked an SPLA-IO defensive position at Motot Payam of Uror County in Jonglei State.