Ceasefire monitors in South Sudan have raised alarms over the potential collapse of the country’s fragile truce, as escalating armed clashes between signatories to the peace agreement threaten to derail efforts to end the nation’s prolonged conflict.
The country has been formally at peace since a 2018 agreement ended a five-year civil war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. However, political tensions remain high as the nation prepares for its first post-independence elections.
Major General Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, Chairperson of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement, Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), issued the warning during a technical committee meeting in Juba on Tuesday.
He reported intensified fighting between two signatory groups near the state boundary of Western Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal.
“The integrity of the ceasefire is increasingly at risk, threatening the fragile implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS),” Gelaw stated.
He expressed deep concern over reports of civilian casualties and displacement, which have persisted since January 11. “CTSAMVM is deeply concerned by reports received from community representatives regarding civilian casualties and displacement,” Gelaw added.
In response to the escalating violence, a CTSAMVM monitoring and verification team in Wau conducted an extended patrol to engage with stakeholders and those directly affected by the conflict. Gelaw urged the warring parties to “consider the consequences of their actions and ensure appropriate command over their forces.”
Access challenges
Gelaw also highlighted ongoing challenges faced by CTSAMVM teams, particularly in accessing Wonduruba in Central Equatoria State to conduct patrols. “I must also highlight continued access challenges that have prevented our Juba-based Monitoring and Verification Team from conducting an investigative patrol to Wonduruba,” he said.
He called on all parties to ensure that CTSAMVM obtains the necessary approvals to implement its mandate for balanced and timely reporting. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” Gelaw emphasized.
Tensions in Upper Nile
In Upper Nile State, Gelaw called for restraint following armed confrontations between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and armed civilians in Nasir County. “Tensions have been high in the area, leading to the displacement of civilians,” he said. “CTSAMVM calls on both parties to reflect on the rationale for continuing this cycle of armed violence and its impact on the civilian population.”
NAS actions
Gelaw condemned the actions of the National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Gen. Thomas Cirillo, accusing its forces of threatening civilians in the Equatoria region. He cited a January 20 incident in Mundri East County, where NAS allegedly captured a young man for forced recruitment. The individual was shot and killed while attempting to escape.
Additionally, on February 9, an armed group believed to be NAS attacked the Jalimo SSPDF Barracks in Kajo-Keji County, killing three soldiers and injuring two civilians. Civilian homes were also destroyed in the attack.
“CTSAMVM condemns the targeting of civilians and reminds NAS that they are accountable for the actions of their forces, allies, or any militia under their command, as stipulated in Article 5 of the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement,” Gelaw said.
NAS spokesperson Suba Samuel could not immediately be reached comment.