South Sudan's government violated the latest ceasefire by attacking rebel positions in Upper Nile state on 2 September, a regional monitoring team announced today.

In its first public report on violations of the ceasefire which was signed by President Salva Kiir and armed opposition leader Riek Machar last month, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which is monitoring the cessation of hostilities, said its team in Malakal "witnessed the [government's] helicopter gunships flying towards and engaging the SPLM/A(IO) Forces on the west bank of the Nile."

The Malakal monitoring team later heard government forces firing toward the west bank, and that troops also crossed the river to attack the rebels. IGAD said these amounted to "clear violation" of the ceasefire, which commenced on 30 August.

In the same report, IGAD blamed the rebels for attacking government positions in Nhialdiu, Unity state on 23 August. Though the IGAD monitoring team was unable to speak with rebel commanders in the area or visit the area, it concluded "in the light of the available evidence there was no doubt that the SPLM/A(IO) had carried out the attack as it was reported [by government, community, and UNMISS sources]."

The Nhialdiu attack took place before the ceasefire came into effect, but IGAD noted the incident occurred after Riek Machar signed the peace deal on August 17.

Both sides have traded many accusations over violations of the latest ceasefire agreement since its signing.

The full report is available for download below.

Related:

IGAD says it was not invited to investigate Guit clashes (16 Sep.)