Major General Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, Chairperson, CTSAM -VM July 2, 2024 - Credit: Ngok Garang
The ceasefire monitor has condemned what it termed continuous violent encounters between SSPDF and SPLA-IO troops along the border of Western Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal states in violation of the permanent ceasefire.
Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai announced on 22nd January that SSPDF forces removed all checkpoints along Kubri-Bou area along the border between WES and WBGS amid recent clashes that left hundreds displaced.
On 11th January, Gen Lul accused SPLA-IO troops of attacking an army’s infantry brigade tasked to dismantle illegal checkpoints in the region.
But SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel refuted the narrative, arguing that the clashes occurred as a result of an attack on their position outside Kubri-Bou. He said the area seen as an illegal checkpoint had been a cantonment site for the military faction awaiting integration into the army.
As a result, about 79,000 people including those who fled the crises in Tambura County were further displaced to the bushes without basic necessities, according to Nagero commissioner, Henry Bangada.
During a meeting in Juba, Maj. Gen. Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, Chairperson of Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAM-VM), highlighted the escalating violence between the two main parties signatory to the 2018 peace accord.
He said the clashes have compromised the integrity of the permanent ceasefire agreement. He called upon both parties to exercise restraint and make prudent decisions to prevent further escalation.
“CTSAM-VM is particularly concerned about ongoing armed clashes between two signatory parties along the state boundary between Western Equatoria and Western Bahr El Ghazal,” he said in a statement.
“These exchanges of fire have tragically resulted in loss of life, injuries, and displacement among civilians and uniformed personnel. CTSAMVM condemns these armed exchanges and urges both parties to exercise restraint and sound judgment.”
Gen. Gelew emphasized on the urgent need for responsible leadership that advocates for dialogue and mediation to ease tensions and address underlying grievances.
According to him, the continuing armed clashes have not only led to casualties among both civilians and military personnel but have also caused significant displacement, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
Mr. Gelew said that peace and cooperation is crucial in a time marked by conflict as this will pave the way for stability and reconciliation in the affected areas.
“We emphasize that this is a critical moment for exemplary leadership, one that embraces dialogue and fosters mediation to alleviate tensions and resolve grievances.”
The UN Mission in South Sudan expressed concerns over the military confrontation between units of the national army and SPLA-IO in the area and called for national government intervention.
Also on January 12, a human rights activist appealed to the Presidency to urgently initiate the unification and deployment of armed forces of the peace parties and ensure strict cantonment to prevent further violence.
Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of INTREPID South Sudan, said unifying the forces is the only solution to the intermittent violence involving factions of the peace parties across the country.
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