The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has expressed concern over the security situation in South Sudan, citing renewed confrontations involving organized forces, armed youth mobilization, and intercommunal violence. Speaking at the 60th CTSAMVM Board Meeting in Juba on Monday, CTSAMVM Chairperson Maj. Gen. Dr. Hailu Endashaw Atomsa said the security environment has remained unpredictable in some parts of the country, particularly in Jonglei, Upper Nile, Warrap, and Central Equatoria States.
According to Endashaw, the situation is particularly concerning in Jonglei, Upper Nile, Warrap, and Central Equatoria states, where violence has resulted in civilian casualties, displacement, restrictions on movement, and challenges to humanitarian access. He noted that although the situation varies across different areas, three recurring patterns have become evident: renewed confrontations involving organized forces; continued mobilization of armed youth and intercommunal violence; and increasing impacts on civilians.
Endashaw reported on several incidents, including armed confrontations between the South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) and SPLM/A-IO in Burbiey and Jikmir, Nasir County, Upper Nile State. He also mentioned a reported SPLM/A-IO attack in Atende Boma, Central Equatoria State, which included the looting of property and the abduction of a Boma sub-chief and four youths. Additionally, he noted that road insecurity continued to pose risks to civilians, citing reported attacks on civilians and mourners traveling along the Mundri-Juba main road on September 26 and 27.
The CTSAMVM Chairperson also highlighted the situation in Upper Nile State, where reported clashes involving the SSPDF, SPLM/A-IO, and the White Army had resulted in casualties, displacement, and restrictions on civilian movement. He also reported continued violence involving armed youth in Jonglei and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. In Unity State, the reported shooting of civilians at the Bentiu Protection of Civilians site highlighted ongoing civilian protection concerns.
In Warrap State, Endashaw said intercommunal violence in Tonj North, alongside further killings in Gogrial East, demonstrated the continued risk of retaliatory violence and renewed clashes. He recommended that the caretaker government and signatory parties exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further deteriorate the security situation. He also called for strengthened measures to protect civilians, guarantee freedom of movement, and secure key civilian and humanitarian routes.
Endashaw emphasized that these measures would help enhance public confidence and facilitate humanitarian access to affected communities. As the country advances toward the elections, he expressed hope that the security situation remains peaceful and calmness prevails. The CTSAMVM Chairperson's remarks underscore the need for continued monitoring and verification of the ceasefire and transitional security arrangements to ensure a stable and secure environment.
The CTSAMVM's concerns and recommendations come as the country prepares for elections, highlighting the importance of a peaceful and secure environment for the electoral process. The organization's efforts to monitor and verify the ceasefire and transitional security arrangements aim to promote stability and security in South Sudan.
Key points
- The security situation in South Sudan remains unpredictable in several parts of the country.
- CTSAMVM has urged parties to exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could further deteriorate the security situation.
- The organization has recommended strengthened measures to protect civilians, guarantee freedom of movement, and secure key civilian and humanitarian routes.
