The Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan, Linken Nymann Berryman, and the Chairperson of the Ceasefire Transitional Security Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), Major General Hailu Gonfa Eddosa, have signed a grant agreement to extend Norway’s financial support to the mechanism this year.

The grant amounts to NOK 15,000,000 (1.4 million USD).

In a press statement extended to Radio Tamazuj Thursday after the signing ceremony, Ambassador Linken stated, “We greatly value and pay close attention to the work being carried out by CTSAMVM. As an important mechanism overseeing the ceasefire, it plays a crucial role in the international support for peace in South Sudan.”

“We eagerly anticipate the reports that CTSAMVM will produce in the coming year. Our support for CTSAMVM has been ongoing for several years, and it will continue,” she added.

The Norwegian diplomat highlighted the importance of CTSAMVM in providing accurate reports from the field.

Meanwhile, Major General Hailu Gonfa expressed his gratitude to the Norwegian government, particularly the Norwegian Embassy in Juba, for their unwavering support over the years.

“With your financial and political support, CTSAMVM has been able to fulfil its mandate in South Sudan. We also appreciate the aviation support provided by the Norwegian government for the years 2023 and 2024,” said Major General Gonfa.

Assuring the Ambassador of full transparency and accountability, Major General Gonfa emphasized that the Norwegian grant would be utilized according to the approved budget plan.

CTSAMVM currently operates Monitoring and Verification Teams (MVTs) in eight of the country’s most conflict-affected areas. These teams conduct patrols in their designated regions, gathering information on potential agreement violations, which they promptly report to their headquarters in Juba for further action.

On 15 July 2022, the United States cut off financial support for RJMEC and CTSAMVM, the country’s peace monitoring mechanism, due to a lack of progress in implementing the 2018 peace agreement.

Lack of funds forced national ceasefire monitors serving with the CTSAMVM to down their tools in March after they were not paid allowances for 10 months.