Top Ex-Detainee Representative Takes CTSAMVM to Task Over Flawed Reports

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By Jenifer James

King News 20^th Sept 2024 – The representative of Former Detainees, Maj Gen Bior Leek, confronted the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) regarding their reports on violations of the peace agreement. This challenge came after the chairperson highlighted violations in Western Equatoria State, where South Sudan People’s Defence Force members were killed.

In his address on Friday, Maj Gen Bior emphasized that many of the reports cited were based on media claims rather than concrete evidence. He called for the CTSAMVM to provide justifications in the next meeting.

“There are so many violations that have been carried out by the NAS, and for the past five years, we are not sure where CTSAMVM is sourcing these reports. They are not directed nor signed by anyone; rather, CTSAMVM seems to be picking reports from the media. They should bring the reports for us [members] to discuss and hold NAS accountable for these violations, rather than simply talking about it and going home,” he stated.

Bior urged CTSAMVM to present critical reports on violations so that all parties could engage in constructive dialogue and determine a way forward. He asserted, “SSPDF (South Sudan People’s Defence Force) is tasked with defending the country, so they have the right to engage with NAS at any time to stop all violations in the country.”

However, the incumbent senior representative of ITGoNU, Lt Gen Rabi Mujung, expressed the government’s disappointment with National Salvation Front’s (NAS) hostile actions and stressed the need for peaceful means to resolve the conflict.

“We (parties) are really disappointed with the hostile activities of NAS and urge them to resort to peaceful means of conflict resolution,” Rabi said.

He added that the government of South Sudan and other parties are committed to achieving total peace and security in the nation.

The Chairperson of CTSAMVM, Maj Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, confirmed the ongoing violations by NAS in both Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria, linking them to rising criminal activities in the regions.

“I am relieved to report a marked downturn in National Salvation Front activity, particularly within Western Equatoria, while Central Equatoria continues to endure NAS operations, which are largely confined to criminal enterprises,” said Maj Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew

Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism also urged that the positive effects of Necessary Unified Forces deployments be reinforced with adequate resources to facilitate a broader deployment across South Sudan.