The IGAD Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (MVM) yesterday released a summary of information about three ceasefire violations in South Sudan covering the period of mid to late March 2015.
In the three reported incidents, IGAD monitors found that rebel SPLM/A-IO fighters carried out an attack on government forces in Ayod on 25 March.
“SPLM/A (IO) Forces came from the north and assembled at the airstrip before attacking the base. A number of fatalities among SPLM/A (IO) Forces was confirmed, as well as some soldiers from the GRSS. No civilians were killed,” the monitors reported.
Also they found that SPLM/A (IO) forces ambushed a government vehicle on 17 March in Rubkona.
Ceasefire monitors also held government forces responsible for provoking clashes around Bentiu on 23-24 March: “Government Forces mounted offensive operations against SPLM/A IO on 23, 24 March,” they reported.
“It is the recommendation of the JTC [Joint Technical Committee] that the [IGAD] Special Envoys make strong representations to both Parties to refrain from any offensive actions in Unity State,” reads the document.
Correction: As initially published this report said ceasefire monitors “withheld information about 35 other violations or 92% of all violations.” This is incorrect. Those violations were previously reported.