The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has expressed frustration over being repeatedly denied access to investigate a deadly attack in Wonduruba Payam, Central Equatoria State.
The area has witnessed a series of human rights violations, including the killing of civilians and destruction of property, with allegations primarily directed at the National Salvation Front (NAS).
On 9 October 2024, armed men in military uniforms raided a village in Wonduruba, killing at least 27 civilians, most of whom were young men. Four others sustained machete wounds in the attack, which occurred shortly after a visit by Central Equatoria State Governor Augustino Jadalla Kamilo.
Speaking during a CTSAMVM board meeting in Juba on Tuesday, Chairperson Maj Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew said the peace monitoring body had been unable to conduct patrols or investigations into the killings.
“To date, our Juba Monitoring and Verification Team has not received clearance to visit the location, which is critical to finalising the task assigned by our Joint Monitoring and Coordination Office,” Gen Bitew said.
Without naming those responsible for blocking access, CTSAMVM called on signatories to the peace agreement to ensure its teams are granted access to the area.
“CTSAMVM appeals to the concerned parties to support planned investigation patrols promptly to ensure critical evidence is not destroyed or interfered with, in line with the provisions of the R-ARCSS,” he added.
Under the 2018 Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), CTSAMVM is tasked with monitoring and verifying the implementation of the peace deal, particularly the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements. It also investigates and reports on potential violations by signatory parties.
Nasir County Tensions
Gen Bitew also raised concerns over reports of possible clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, which have reportedly displaced civilians in the area.
“CTSAMVM is concerned that several accounts of imminent clashes in Nasir indicate a likely ceasefire fracture. Tensions have been high, leading to the displacement of civilians and creating a humanitarian crisis, among other challenges,” he said.
The peace monitor noted that the cycle of violence has persisted in the region.
“During the last CTSAMVM Technical Committee meeting on 18 February, we received information on the deployment of soldiers in Malakal, awaiting movement to Nasir. Reports indicate these are SSPDF forces, not part of the Necessary Unified Forces (NUF),” Gen Bitew said.
He added that CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams had reported youth mobilisation in Ulang County, where locals oppose the deployment of any forces other than the NUF.
“CTSAMVM is further concerned that the movement of SSPDF troops was not reported as per the provisions of the R-ARCSS and the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). We are therefore planning to investigate possible violations,” he said.