By Lodu William Odiya
The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has urged signatories to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to ensure accountability for individuals responsible for verified violations.
Speaking during the opening remarks at a CTSAMVM Board meeting in Juba on Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Dr. Hailu Endashaw Atomsa said accountability was essential for strengthening trust and preventing future violations of the peace agreement.
He cited recent action taken in Raja as an example of measures that could demonstrate accountability for violations.
“Accountability reinforces trust and deters future violations, as the recent action taken in Raja demonstrates,” he said.
Atomsa also called on the signatory parties to reaffirm their commitment to the Permanent Ceasefire and comply fully with Chapter II of the R-ARCSS, which addresses permanent ceasefire and transitional security arrangements.
He urged the parties to adhere strictly to the agreed security arrangements and refrain from offensive, provocative or retaliatory actions that could undermine the peace process.
“Restraint is a sign of strength and of commitment to the peace process,” Atomsa said.
He further called on the parties to protect civilians from attacks and ensure safe movement along major roads and within communities across the country.
According to him, safeguarding civilian movement is essential to allowing people to travel freely and safely without fear of violence or intimidation.
The CTSAMVM chairperson also stressed the importance of facilitating humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas to ensure that vulnerable families receive assistance without unnecessary delays.
“Facilitate humanitarian access, working with the relevant authorities, to enable the safe and timely delivery of assistance to affected families,” he added.
The recommendations come amid continued concerns over security and the implementation of transitional security arrangements under the peace agreement.
CTSAMVM monitors and verifies compliance with the permanent ceasefire and transitional security provisions of the R-ARCSS.
The mechanism’s appeal underscores the importance of accountability, civilian protection and humanitarian access in supporting efforts to sustain peace and build confidence among the parties to the agreement.