Arop Jonchol
During the 52nd meeting of the Ceasefire Monitoring and Evaluation Board (CTSAMVM), the Chairperson, Major General Michael Yitayal Gelaw, called on all signatory parties to exercise “the highest level of restraint” and work to de-escalate the current volatile situation.
The Board highlighted the recent clashes in Nasir between the government forces of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army, a youth group from the Nasir region, accused by the government of allying with armed opposition forces under the leadership of Dr. Riek Machar Teny. This has led security agencies to carry out a series of arrests targeting high-ranking officials in the transitional government. In addition, the involvement of foreign forces in the aerial bombardment of Nasir County was also noted.
Gelaw mentioned, “These activities have caused concern among many stakeholders of the R-ARCSS peace agreement,” and urged the signatory parties to intensify efforts to control the situation. He added, “CTSAMVM urges the signatory parties involved (in the conflict) to exercise the highest level of restraint during this volatile period.”
The members of the Board expressed deep concern regarding the current threat to the ceasefire agreement. They pointed out that the situation remains extremely critical and emphasized the need for the parties to build trust and control the situation. Gelaw said, “The current reporting period is marked by a tense and volatile situation… The most critical is the situation in Upper Nile State, with several reports of force mobilization and alleged aerial bombardments.”
He added, “These clashes significantly affect the implementation of the already fragile ceasefire and cause immense suffering to the civilian population.”
The CTSAMVM Chairperson urged the parties to cease violence and focus on avenues of dialogue that can help normalize the situation. Gelaw stated, “CTSAMVM strongly urges the signatory parties to step away from the path of violence, respect the R-ARCSS agreement, and seek the path to peace for all across South Sudan.”
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A-IO), led by Dr. Riek Machar Teny, announced on Monday night that it would suspend participation in the Joint Defense Board, the High-Level Political Committee, the Joint Military Ceasefire Committee, and the Joint Transitional Security Committee until all of its detained political and military officials are released.
