Ambassador Linken & Chairperson of CTSAMVM, Maj. Gen. Hailu Gonfa Eddosa.

The Norwegian government has announced a $1.9-million contribution to the  Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement, Monitoring and Verification Mechanisms(CTSAMVM).

The total contribution this year is a solid increase in support from Norway and comes in addition to other forms of support for the mechanism.

“Norway is a consistent partner of the people of South Sudan and continues to support the full implementation of the Peace Agreement, both in letter and spirit. CTSAMVM is vital to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS),” said Ambassador Linken Nymann Berryman at the signing ceremony Thursday.

CTSAMVM is mandated to monitor and verify the implementation of the Permanent Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangement through investigation and publishing of reports on the occurrence of violations by the peace parties.

The body also files reports about Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

According to the Norwegian Embassy, about $1.3m will support CTSAMVM in addition to the about half a million for the ceasefire monitor to access aviation services through UNMISS.

In his remark, the Chairperson of CTSAMVM says the funding contribution by the Norwegian government is critical and will support efforts to stabilize South Sudan

“Norwegian financial assistance to CTSAMVM is critical and consistent with the international community’s political line on backing regional efforts like IGAD to stabilize South Sudan”, said Maj. Gen. Hailu Gonfa Eddosa.

Maj. Gen. Gonfa went on to say: “CTSAMVM will continue to play a critical role in the peace process as we continue to monitor and verify compliance and report on the progress of the implementation of Chapter II of the Revitalized Agreement.”

CTSAMVM’s mandate is laid out in Chapter II of the R-ARCSS and it reports to the IGAD Council of Ministers and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).