The internationally-backed body tasked with monitoring South Sudan's peace process has expressed concern over reports of military build-up in Yei River State.
There have been reports of clashes between the army and holdout rebel group National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Gen. Thomas Cirillo in Yei.
President Salva Kiir and several opposition groups, including key opposition leader Riek Machar signed the peace deal in September 2018.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) said it has received various reports of military build-up in the state.
The peace monitoring body urged restraint on all sides in the state, saying the mounting military tension could affect the implementation of the peace deal.
“The silencing of guns is a matter of high national importance,” RJMEC said.
The body further said South Sudan is presently at a critical phase of the implementation of the peace agreement.
“RJMEC therefore, urges all Parties to grasp firmly the IGAD-led diplomatic process and allow the full implementation of the peace Agreement,” the group said.
South Sudan army spokesperson and armed opposition officials in the state could not immediately be reached for comment.