 has expressed concerns that the integrity of the ceasefire agreement remains compromised in some areas of South Sudan.){kind=link}
By Otto Abut
The Ceasefire & Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has expressed concerns that the integrity of the ceasefire agreement remains compromised in some areas of South Sudan. Despite largely successful monitoring in most regions, CTSAMVM noted violations of the ceasefire, particularly along the state boundary between Western Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal.
The statement was made during the 50th CTSAMVM Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, where members discussed the status of the permanent ceasefire and the progress of Transitional Security Arrangements in South Sudan.
In his address, Chairperson Major General Yitayal Gelaw Bitew highlighted the need for a productive session, especially given the ongoing challenges in the peace process. However, he also expressed disappointment, stating that not all of South Sudan is adhering to the ceasefire terms.
“It is with regret that I must inform you, as I did with the CTSAMVM Technical Committee, that for the first time in my tenure as Chairman, the integrity of the ceasefire is not being upheld across all of South Sudan,” Maj. Gen. Yitayal said.
The violations he referred to include ongoing armed clashes between two signatory parties in the areas of Wau and Yambio, located along the boundary between Western Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal. These clashes are seen as a significant breach of the permanent ceasefire agreement, which was signed in 2018 between the government and opposition groups.
CTSAMVM’s Monitoring and Verification Teams have been deployed to investigate these incidents and assess the situation on the ground.
In response to the ongoing violence, CTSAMVM strongly condemned the clashes and called on both parties to show restraint. “This is a critical moment for exemplary leadership,” Maj. Gen. Yitayal emphasized. “We must embrace dialogue and mediation to alleviate tensions and resolve grievances peacefully.”
He urged the parties to adhere to the ceasefire and work towards sustainable peace, reminding them of their responsibility to protect the lives of civilians and support the stability of South Sudan.