The Japanese government has given financial support to the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) to help mitigate the acute budget deficit that the mechanism is currently facing.
According to a Thursday statement from CTSAMVM and seen by Radio Tamazuj, the assistance affirms Japan’s commitment to ensuring the mechanism continues to conduct its critical mission of monitoring and verifying the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements (PCTSA).
Lt. General Asrat expressed gratitude to the Japanese Government, and in particular, the Japanese Embassy in Juba, South Sudan, for the unwavering support rendered to CTSAMVM.
“We at CTSAMVM are delighted that we continue having your financial support even at this critical period of the peace process,” he said. “CTSAMVM also appreciates their continued support showing yet another demonstration of the Japanese government’s strong commitment towards the support of the ongoing peace process and the implementation of the R-ARCSS.”
“CTSAMVM hopes that Japan will continue supporting the mechanism to continue its operations during the implementation of its mandate in South Sudan,” Gen. Asrat added.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Tsutsumi Naohiro, said his country recognizes the critical role played by the Mechanism.
“Japan acknowledges the critical importance of CTSAMVM monitoring functions and activities for promoting the implementation of the peace agreement and achieving durable peace and stability in South Sudan,” he said.
CTSAMVM has Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs) located in 9 of the most conflict-affected areas of the country. The MVTs patrol their areas of responsibility and gather information on potential violations of the agreement, which they immediately report to their headquarters in Juba for further action.
Earlier this month, the national staff of the (CTSAMVM) went on strike over unpaid allowances for ten months.
At the time, Gen (rtd) Charles Tai Gituai, the RJMEC chairperson, urged the government to make sure the monitors were paid because the work of the Mechanism is vital in building confidence among the peace partners and the public.
“Regarding CTSAMVM, it is disappointing that the Monitoring and Verification Teams are unable to operate as per their mandate due to the non-payment of 10 months’ allowances of the National Monitors, which has led to their boycott,” he said. “I, therefore, appeal to the RTGoNU to immediately provide funds for the payment of CTSAMVM’s National Monitors and the national members of all the Agreement mechanisms.”
“I am informed that the members of the other security mechanisms, the NCAC and the JRC, have also not been facilitated,” Gen. Gituai added.