South Sudan’s government under took “deliberate offensive operations,” in the Leer area of Unity state in August, ceasefire monitors said in a report released today.
According to the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM), the government forces advanced on SPLM-IO positions in Adok, Piling Junction, and Thonyor, considered “vital ground,” in the conflict.
The report added that it was highly probably that government forces were subject to considerable provocation by rebel forces in the area, but still blamed the government for not seeking alternative mechanisms of mediation.
Throughout August, CTSAMM received reports of “looting and rape carried out by government forces soldiers,” in the southern Unity area.
There is “plenty of evidence to suggest that the remaining civilian population in the area has suffered considerably as a result of the fighting,” the report said.
During 2015, Unity state saw major fighting between government and opposition forces. Leer is home to rebel leader Riek Machar. The situation in the state continues to be complex and unstable, according to the report.
“it is difficult to see how the situation can be improved unless all the parties adhere to both the spirit and the word of the,” peace agreement, the report said. It recommended that ceasefire monitors work with the relevant political and militate leadership from both sides of the conflict to stop fighting.