The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) on Tuesday called on the parties to the 2018 peace deal to remove obstacles hampering verification of violations.
Speaking during the Mechanism’s monthly plenary meeting in Juba, CTSAMVM Chairperson Maj. Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew urged the parties to engage in constructive dialogue that promotes operational monitoring and verification capability across the country.
“The CTSAMVM investigation in Motot Payam is currently suspended. This investigative area lies within the area of responsibility of a previously closed Monitoring and Verification Team, namely Bor, and this area was subsequently reassigned to Malakal,” he said. “Currently, there is no consensus between the signatory parties and CTSAMVM regarding the reallocation of the areas of responsibility of the closed MVTs.”
According to Gen. Gelaw, such hindrances forced them to suspend the investigation into violations committed in Motot Payam in Jonglei State’s Uror County.
“Until a consensus can be reached, the national monitors will no longer contribute to monitoring and verification activities within areas previously assigned to the three closed Monitoring and Verification Teams,” he declared. “The Monitoring and Verification Teams previously based at Aweil, Bor, and Torit were closed due to budgetary constraints.”
Gelaw revealed that CTSAMVM is gravely concerned about reports of clashes between armed youth and South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) soldiers in Nasir County in Upper Nile State, adding that the clashes have reportedly led to the death and wounding of individuals from both sides.
He said the Mechanism consulted the United Nations Air Operations to facilitate movement to investigate the alleged violations across the country.
On 25 July 2024, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) issued a statement alleging that SSPDF forces attacked their defensive position in Uror County’s Motot Payam.