CTSAMVM forced to close offices amid funding crisis

JUBA – The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) has been forced to close three of its offices in Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal States due to a severe cash shortage.

The ceasefire monitoring body warned that this downsizing would significantly limit its ability to investigate incidents across South Sudan, urging partners to intervene swiftly.

Speaking at the CTC meeting on Tuesday, CTSAMVM Chairperson Major General Yitayal Bitew appealed to senior party representatives to ensure that the closed offices are reopened.

“The Monitoring and Verification Teams previously based at Aweil, Bor, and Torit were closed due to budgetary constraints. This is severely limiting CTSAMVM’s investigative capability,” General Bitew stated.

“I appeal to our senior party representatives to engage in constructive dialogue that promotes operational monitoring and verification capability across the whole of South Sudan,” ‘he added.

The CTSAMVM head cited a press release dated July 25, issued by the SPLM/A-IO, alleging attacks by SSPDF forces on their defensive position at Motot Payam, Uror County, Jonglei State.

“The potential for this incident to escalate is obvious, as is the need for constructive mediation between the parties to address sources of conflict,” he added. “The CTSAMVM investigation in Motot Payam is currently suspended.”

He explained that the investigative area falls within the responsibility of a previously closed Monitoring and Verification Team, namely Bor, and was subsequently reassigned to Malakal.

“Currently, there is no consensus between the signatory parties and CTSAMVM regarding the reallocation of the areas of responsibility of the closed MVTs,” he stated.

“Until a consensus can be reached, the national monitors will no longer contribute to monitoring and verification activity within areas previously assigned to the three closed Monitoring and Verification Teams,” he stated.

Furthermore, CTSAMVM expressed grave concern about reports of clashes between armed youth and SSPDF soldiers in Nasir County, which have reportedly led to casualties on both sides.

The CTSAMVM is preparing to conduct an investigation and is coordinating with UN Air Ops to facilitate movement.