The “almost daily violation” of the ceasefire has “the potential to trigger an uncontrolled escalation of violence motivated by retribution”, the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission has said.

Festus Mogae says these hostilities are committed by two parties to the agreement and other armed groups.

“Egregious violations of human rights, including rape, gang rape, looting, intimidation and harassment of civil society and the media, and the killing of civilians, have occurred in recent months perpetrated by individuals on both sides of the conflict,” he made the remarks at the opening of a JMEC meeting in Juba this morning.

“The threat of any further violence on such a fragile nation is a failure of leadership and a betrayal of people who deserve better.”

The former Botswanan President condemned “such acts and these incidents must be investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice”.

He called upon both sides to regain full control of their forces and observe the ceasefire with immediate effect, adding that leadership must be demonstrated and restraint must be shown.

Mr Mogae said it is also “disappointing” that the selection and establishment of cantonment sites is not yet implemented, making the ceasefire and transitional security monitors unable to undertake verifications.

Mr Mogae also welcomed the deployment of the protection force, and that it should be deployed as soon as possible to improve the security situation in Juba.

He further said JMEC would soon start a semi-annual review of the mission to improve its efficiency and effectiveness.