By Bosco Bush
Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), has condemned recent attacks and armed confrontation in parts of Upper Nile and Central Equatoria States.
CTSAMVM) is the body tasked with overseeing the implementation of the security arrangements in South Sudan’s 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Early this month, authorities in Nasir County, Upper Nile State reported an attack by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), resulting to deaths of four civilians, including a woman.
Meanwhile, at least 14 others, primarily women and children, were injured in the incident.
Nasir County Commissioner, James Gatluak described the attack as a deliberate act of violence, perpetrated against civilians by the SSPDF.
In separate incidents, over 24 people in Wonduruba Administrative Area and Kulipapa, Ganji Payam were brutally killed and 19 others injured on October 9.
Arising from these incidences, CTSAMVM Chair, Maj. Gen. Yitayal Gelaw, in a board meeting on Tuesday, October 29, noted with concern and condemned the violent acts.
“CTSAMVM condemns these acts and urges the signatory parties to the R-ARCSS to seek peaceful resolutions to such issues,” partly reads his statement
Gelaw added that investigations into the incidents in Nasir are ongoing for detailed documentation.
“Currently, there is one violation report to discuss: clashes between armed civilians and the SSPDF in Nasir County that occurred in August 2024. This incident has been followed by additional clashes on October 16 and 17, 2024. Investigations are ongoing,” Gelaw stated
The statement further underscores that communities in South-Central Equatoria continue to live in fear of attacks or abductions by armed groups such as the National Salvation Front.
The aftermath of the attack on the Bebeto bus has been extensively documented, it stated, adding that the recent wave of attacks has also led to the abduction of humanitarian workers for ransom, further jeopardizing vulnerable rural communities and returning refugees, as access to humanitarian aid diminishes.
The ceasefire monitoring body urges 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 (ACoH).