The body monitoring South Sudan’s ceasefire (CTSAMVM) said escalating clashes in the country could unravel the September 2018 peace agreement.
Addressing the technical committee members of the CTSAMVM in Juba on Wednesday, Maj. Gen. Teshome Gemechu Aderie, the monitoring body’s chairperson said there are ongoing clashes between the NAS forces led by General Thomas Cirillo and both SSPDF and SPLM/A-IO forces in Central Equatoria as well as Western and Eastern Equatoria.
“The frequency of the incidents involving NAS has increased and the geographical spread has expanded,” said Gemechu.
He further said there are rising tensions in Wau and Tonj areas with incidents under investigation. Gemechu added that inter-communal fighting also continued in Jonglei between Murle and Lou-Nuer/Dinka youths in particular in the Likuangole area.
According to Gemechu, the rising violence has the potential to jeopardize the permanent ceasefire and the September 2018 peace deal.
The monitoring body’s chairperson has also expressed concern over the continuing prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence in Juba, Yei area, Magwi and Leer, saying 14 investigations are underway or were recently concluded.
He acknowledged and encouraged steps taken by the Chief of Defense Forces of the South Sudanese army (SSPDF) to create a committee to investigate all cases and alleged crimes, including cases of sexual violence, committed by SSPDF personnel in Yei River County.
“It is hoped that, in the case of Yei area, this process will bring justice for some of the victims,” he said.
The CTSAMVM, a body established after the signing of South Sudan’s peace agreement in August 2015, is responsible for monitoring and verifying the implementation of the permanent ceasefire deal.