By Lodu William Odiya
The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has called on South Sudan’s caretaker government and parties to the peace agreement to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further worsen the country’s security situation.
The call was made by the CTSAMVM Chairperson, Major General Hailu Endashaw Atomsa, during a board meeting on the security situation in the country, warning that the environment remains unpredictable in several areas.
“In view of the prevailing security environment, CTSAMVM recommends that the caretaker government and signatory parties continue to ensure that the parties exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further deteriorate the security situation across the country,” the chairperson said.
CTSAMVM also called for stronger measures to protect civilians, guarantee freedom of movement, and secure key civilian and humanitarian routes.
The monitoring mechanism said improving security along major routes would help strengthen public confidence and facilitate humanitarian access to communities affected by insecurity.
According to the statement, the security situation remains particularly concerning in Jonglei, Upper Nile, Warrap, and Central Equatoria states.
“Although the situation varies across different areas, three recurring patterns have become evident: renewed confrontations involving organised forces; continued mobilisation of armed youth and intercommunal violence; and increasing impacts on civilians, including displacement, restrictions on movement, and challenges to humanitarian access,” the chairperson said.
The mechanism said the continued violence and insecurity were having direct consequences for civilians, including displacement and difficulties accessing humanitarian assistance.
CTSAMVM emphasised the importance of cooperation among the parties to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), as well as continued support from regional and international partners.
“Continued cooperation among the Parties, together with sustained regional and international support, remains essential for building confidence and preserving the ceasefire throughout the remainder of the transitional period,” the statement said.
The chairperson reaffirmed that CTSAMVM would continue carrying out its mandate until its completion.
“CTSAMVM will remain effective until the completion of its mandate, carrying out its responsibilities with independence, impartiality, and integrity,” the statement said.
However, the mechanism raised concerns over persistent financial constraints, saying funding challenges continue to affect its ability to maintain comprehensive monitoring and field operations.
“While we remain steadfast in fulfilling our mandate, persistent financial constraints continue to affect our ability to sustain comprehensive monitoring and field operations,” the chairperson said.
CTSAMVM therefore appealed for continued support and partnership from stakeholders to enable it to effectively implement its responsibilities.
The mechanism reiterated that its overall objective remains supporting the full implementation of the peace agreement and contributing to a peaceful, stable, and secure South Sudan.
The latest call comes as the country continues preparations for the planned December 2026 general elections, making security, freedom of movement, and civilian protection important issues for communities and other stakeholders.