South Sudan peace monitors warn condoning defections ‘contrary’ to peace process

JUBA – South Sudan’s peace-monitoring body, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) has warned that the continued welcoming of defectors, specially by the parties to the 2018 revitalized peace agreement is contrary to the implementation of the peace deal and can stain relations between the peace partners.

Speaking during a monthly meeting of the R-JMEC in Juba on Thursday, Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gittuai, Interim Chairperson of R-JMEC, said some parties to the revitalized peace agreement have continued to welcome fighters and politicians defecting from other parties to the peace agreement, something he said does not go well with the spirit of peace between the parties.

“Any defection or acceptance of defections from armed groups is contrary to the letter and spirit of the agreement. Delays in the implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangement is a major factor in occurrence of defections,” he said.

He urged parties to peace deal to expedite the implementation of the Transitional Security Arrangement, especially the graduation and unification of the forces which will serve to lessen the livelihood of defections.

The comments by the top South Sudan peace monitor comes as defections from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLA-IO) to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) continue, something that has sparked opposition infighting in several parts of the country with most recent one being in Unity state.

Earlier this morning, South Sudan opposition commander General Simon Gatwech Dual said his forces in Unity State have captured an important opposition base in Koch County belonging to the SPLA-IO led by the country’s First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny, after what he called an unprovoked attack by Machar’s forces on his base.

“This morning, the forces Loyal to FVP Riek Machar continues with their aggression against the SPLM-IO-KITGWANG and attack our positions in Padeah, outskirt of Koch County, Unity State,” James Kalany, the press secretary of Gen. Gatwech said in a statement extended to Sudans Post on Thursday afternoon.

The senior South Sudan main armed opposition official further claimed that their forces went on to retaliate and repulsed the attack capturing the SPLA-IO base in Mirmir which is designated by the parties to the revitalized peace agreement as a cantonment site for the SPLA-IO.

Mamuon further urged the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) command in Bilpam to interview so that the alleged attacks by First Vice President Machar’s forces are brought to end once and for all.

“Our forces managed to push the attackers, and results to the capturing of their base (Mirmir) and its surrounding. We urge SSPDF (BILPAM) to rein on Riek Machar’s forces to stop attacking our position as we keep maintaining peace across the Country,” he added.