King News 3rd September Juba—Today, at Beijing Hotel Juba, the Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) was forced to shut down its three offices in Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal States.
The ceasefire monitoring body declared that the downsizing would severely limit their scope of work and investigative ability across the country, urging partners to swiftly interfere.
Speaking during the CTC meeting on Tuesday, the chairperson of CTSAMVM, Maj. Gen. Yitayal Bitew appealed to senior party representatives to ensure those offices are reopened again.
“The Monitoring and Verification Teams previously based at Aweil, Bor, and Torit were closed due to budgetary constraints. This is severely limiting CTSAMVM investigative capability,” Maj. Gen. Yitayal continued
“I appeal to our senior party representatives to engage in constructive dialogue that promotes operational monitoring and verification capability across the whole of South Sudan,”
Maj. Gen. Bitew referenced a press release dated July 25, issued by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army – In Opposition (SPLM/A-IO). The statement alleges that South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) attacked their defensive position at Motot Payam in Uror County, Jonglei State
“The potential for this incident to escalate is obvious, as is the need for constructive mediation between the parties to address sources of conflict,” he added “The CTSAMVM investigation in Motot Payam is currently suspended.”
According to him, the investigative area lies within the responsibility of a previously closed Monitoring and Verification Team, Bor, which was subsequently reassigned to Malakal.
“Currently, there is no consensus between the signatory parties and CTSAMVM regarding the reallocation of the areas of responsibility of the closed MVTs. Until a consensus can be reached,”
“The national monitors will no longer contribute to monitoring and verification activity within areas previously assigned to the three closed Monitoring and Verification Teams,”
Besides, CTSAMVM expressed grave concern about reports of clashes between armed youth and SSPDF soldiers in Nasir County.
“To date, this has reportedly led to the death and wounding of individuals from both sides.” Maj. Gen. Yitayal continued
“CTSAMVM is currently preparing to conduct an investigation, and is in consultation with UN Air Ops to facilitate movement,”
The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) is mandated to monitor, verify, and report on the implementation of the ceasefire and transitional security arrangements in South Sudan.
This includes overseeing compliance with the cessation of hostilities, monitoring troop movements, investigating violations of the peace agreement, and ensuring the safety and security of civilians during the transition period. CTSAMVM plays a critical role in supporting the peace process by providing impartial oversight and reporting to relevant authorities to help maintain stability and promote accountability.