By Lodu William Odiya
The Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has urged all parties to the R-ARCSS to refrain from abductions, forced recruitment, and attacks against civilians.
These followed deteriorating reports of abductions and alleged forced recruitment in Bongolo, Loso, and Lanyi, which contributed to the displacement of civilians.
In a statement that was extended to No. 1 Citizen, a daily English newspaper, yesterday, Maj. Gen. Dr. Hailu Endashaw Atomsa, Chairperson of CTSAMVM, at the CTSAMVM Technical Committee meeting on Tuesday in Juba, underscored that these actions impede humanitarian operations, including protection of humanitarian personnel, assets, and relief supplies in accordance with the Permanent Ceasefire provisions and their obligations under the Peace Agreement.
“In Greater Equatoria, the security situation remained relatively stable. However, in Greater Mundri, Western Equatoria State, the situation deteriorated following reported abductions and alleged forced recruitment in Bongolo, Loso, and Lanyi, which contributed to the displacement of civilians,” the statement read.
Against this backdrop, Endashaw emphasised the importance of continued restraint, dialogue, and cooperation by all parties.
He urged the RTGoNU to strengthen civilian protection along high-risk roads and in conflict-prone areas through coordinated security deployments, improved early-warning mechanisms, and timely preventive action.
“The security situation across South Sudan remains unpredictable. Although major military confrontations showed a downward trend during the reporting period, inter-communal tensions, cattle-related violence, restrictions on humanitarian access, and threats to civilians and humanitarian personnel continued to pose significant security concerns,” the statement partly read.
Endashaw stated that these developments underscored the need for sustained restraint, dialogue, and commitment by all Signatory Parties to uphold the Permanent Ceasefire and advance the implementation of the R-ARCSS.
On the other hand, they strongly condemned the attack on the UNMISS patrolling convoy in Pajut of Jonglei State that took the lives of two peacekeepers and injured several others.
“This deplorable attack against personnel dedicated to supporting peace and protecting civilians in South Sudan. Such acts undermine peacebuilding efforts and are unacceptable under international law. We urge the relevant authorities to ensure a prompt and thorough investigation so that those responsible are held accountable,” the statement continued.
Attacks along key roads, including the reported ambush of humanitarian trucks on the Buaji–Dollo road and the abduction of 3 humanitarian workers along the Yei–Lasu road, further highlight the continued risks to civilians, humanitarian personnel, and freedom of movement.
Greater Upper Nile remained the most volatile region, with continued reports of attacks against civilians and restrictions on humanitarian access.
In Greater Bahr el Ghazal, the security situation remained relatively stable, despite continued localised incidents of cattle-related violence, inter-communal tensions, and criminality.
Of particular concern was the reported attack on communities in Tonj North County, Warrap State, on 9 August, allegedly involving armed youth from Mayom County, Unity State, which reportedly resulted in fatalities and injuries to civilians.
Additional localised violence was reported in Western Bahr el Ghazal and Lakes States, including inter-community clashes and cattle raiding.