The Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) on Tuesday denounced Monday’s fighting between the army and SPLA-IO in Unity State.
On Monday, Unity State Information Minister David Gai told Radio Tamazuj that fighting erupted when Governor Dr. Joesph Nguen Monytuil’s convoy was ambushed by SPLA-IO, leading to the death of several SSPDF soldiers and the wounding of two senior SSPDF officers.
However, SPLA-IO Spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel countered that there was a two-pronged attack on their position in Nyuel Nyuel coordinated and led by Governor Joseph Nguen Monytuil and the SSPSF Division Commander in Unity State.
“Following the incident that was reported on Monday afternoon allegedly involving the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), in Northern Unity State, CTSAMVM would like to condemn all violence in the strongest possible terms,” the CTSAMVM statement read in part. “Article 2.1.9 of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan states that no revenge, vengeance, or retribution and any kind of violation of the permanent ceasefire is allowed under any circumstances.”
“CTSAMVM would further like to urge the two parties involved to maintain calm.” It added.
The Mechanism said it would investigate the incident according to its mandate and report accordingly so that remedial action can be taken and any parties acting in violation of the R-ARCSS can be held accountable.