By Louis Loku
The outgoing Chairperson of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), Maj. Gen. Teshome Anagawe Ayana, has called on all signatories to South Sudan’s revitalised peace agreement to recommit themselves to the permanent ceasefire and fully implement the peace deal to safeguard the country’s fragile peace.
Speaking during the 58th CTSAMVM Board Meeting in Juba on Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Teshome said the meeting provided an important opportunity to review progress made in implementing the peace agreement, assess the prevailing security situation, and identify practical measures to address ongoing challenges affecting the implementation of the revitalised agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
He noted that despite continued cooperation among the parties, the country’s security situation remains volatile, with localised insecurity continuing to undermine the implementation of Chapter Two of the peace agreement.
“While large-scale confrontations remain limited, incidents of armed violence, criminal activities, ambushes, inter-communal conflict, and restrictions on CTSAMVM’s movement continue to affect parts of the country, undermining civilian security and confidence in the peace process,” he said.
The outgoing chairperson highlighted several recent security incidents, including the attack in Walgak, Akobo County, Jonglei State, where members of the White Army allegedly killed the SPLM-IG commissioner of Akobo and members of his delegation in June 2026.
He welcomed the establishment of an investigative task force to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and report its findings through mechanisms established under the peace agreement.
Maj. Gen. Teshome also informed the board that CTSAMVM had continued to carry out its monitoring and verification mandate despite financial and logistical constraints.
Monitoring and Verification Teams conducted patrols in Upper Nile, Warrap, and Western Equatoria states to investigate reported attacks and alleged ceasefire violations.
However, he expressed concern that one planned patrol had to be aborted after a joint security checkpoint denied the team access.
During the meeting, board members were briefed on a violation report concerning attacks by armed groups against civilians in Baliet County and the looting of humanitarian food supplies in Ulang County, Upper Nile State, in November 2025.
According to Maj. Gen. Teshome, the findings demonstrate how activities of non-signatory armed groups continue to threaten community security, disrupt humanitarian operations, and undermine gains achieved through the peace process.
He urged all parties to reaffirm their commitment to the permanent ceasefire, avoid actions that could escalate tensions, and fully comply with their obligations under the peace agreement.
He further called on the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to strengthen the Joint Defense Board and enhance coordinated security deployments and patrols in conflict-prone areas.
The outgoing chairperson also appealed to security institutions to improve coordination, accountability, and oversight to ensure that all deployed forces operate in accordance with the peace agreement while respecting human rights and international humanitarian law.
Addressing diplomats and international partners, Maj. Gen. Teshome expressed appreciation for their continued political, technical, and financial support to CTSAMVM and South Sudan’s peace process.
He urged the international community to sustain its assistance, saying continued partnership remains essential for consolidating peace gains and building confidence among the parties.
The 58th Board Meeting also marked Maj. Gen. Teshome’s final meeting as CTSAMVM Chairperson following the leadership rotation initiated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
He officially welcomed the incoming Chairperson, Maj. Gen. Dr. Hailu Denshaw Atumsa, and Deputy Chairperson, Maj. Gen. Mohamed Murtada Al-Sheikhi, who assumed office on July 1, 2026, and are currently undergoing the formal handover process.
Reflecting on his tenure, Maj. Gen. Teshome described it as a privilege to work alongside national and international partners in promoting peace and security in South Sudan.
“South Sudan is a beautiful country with enormous potential. It is our collective hope that through our shared efforts, dialogue, and commitment to peace, violence will give way to lasting stability, allowing all South Sudanese to live in peace and dignity,” he said before officially declaring the 58th CTSAMVM Board Meeting open.