The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) on Thursday said the violations of the permanent ceasefire are not only a setback to the peace process but also a cause of immense suffering for civilians caught in the crossfire and must be addressed with utmost urgency.
CTSAMVM Chairperson Maj Gen Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, speaking at the Mechanism’s Technical Committee Meeting, said the impact of the violations, especially in Upper Nile State, can negatively affect the peace process and cause immense suffering for civilians caught in the crossfire.
“CTSAMVM reiterates the condemnation by the IGAD Executive Secretary, the IGAD Ambassadors in Juba, and the RJMEC on the conflict in Nasir and calls upon all the parties involved to exercise maximum restraint, reaffirm their commitment to the R ARCSS and prioritize dialogue and reconciliation as the only sustainable path to peace,” he said. “These confrontations have not only resulted in casualties but have also displaced civilians, disrupted livelihoods, and increased tensions in an already fragile environment. We urge all parties to recommit to their obligations under the agreement and to ensure that military activities do not undermine the peace process.”
Gen. Gelaw added: “It is our collective responsibility to uphold the ceasefire and prevent further violence.”
On attacks by rebel National Salvation Front (NAS) in Central Equatoria State, he said reports indicate that NAS elements ambushed civilians, looted properties, and burned vehicles transporting people and goods in Kajo Keji County. He said NAS elements also attacked the SSPDF unit in Liwolo Payam in Kajo-Keji County, resulting in injuries and death.
“CTSAMVM condemns these acts by NAS and reminds them that they are accountable for their actions, as stipulated in Article 5 (Protection of Civilians) of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of 2017,” Gelaw said.
Regarding the raping of women by men in uniform, he reported that for a considerable period, reports of rape by the armed forces of the peace partners have fortunately been few. However, in February 2025, in Kuanya Payam of Wau County, an incident occurred where uniformed soldiers raped a single mother and a case has now been opened at Wau North Police.
“CTSAMVM condemns these acts and reminds the signatory parties that incidents such as these are a violation of Article 2.1.10.2 of the R ARCSS,” Gen. Gelaw stated.
For his part, Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, SSPDF Senior Representative to the CTSAMVM, said it will be difficult for the ceasefire monitors to investigate the Nasir incident as the fighting was between the army and an armed group that is not a signatory to the agreement.
“To me, the situation is a bit confusing as you have said there is a certain new armed group known as MAF which is not a signatory to the RARCSS,” he said. “I do not know how we are going to discuss this issue, and if it is an armed group, that means it is an insurgency group, more of a rebellion, not covered by RARCSS. So, if there is any insurgency in the country, I think it is the responsibility of the R-TGoNU to restore law and order.”
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Chuol Ruey Kompuok, the SPLA-IO Senior Representative to CTSAMVM, urged the guarantors, IGAD, and R-JMEC to engage the leaders of the parties to the agreement seriously to normalize the situation.
“We have to be very mindful of the situation and every South Sudanese must embrace peace. It is through peace that we can achieve development. I would like to urge CTSAMVM to investigate the evolving situation and give a concrete report on how the situation evolved,” he said. “It is the mandate of the principles to correct and move on with the peace agreement. We have to engage genuinely and have a solid look into the serious matters that concern everybody. We do not want to see South Sudanese dying. We need to put aside our grudges and move this country forward. We have to refrain from hate speech and embrace peace.”