Malong, Pagan, gov’t agree to end violence against civilians in Naivasha talks

JUBA – South Sudan parties negotiating end to the conflict in the country in the Kenyan city of Naivasha have recommitted themselves to the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement signed by President Salva Kiir and several rebel groups in Addis Ababa in 2017 and have agreed to end all forms of violence against civilians.

South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) faction led by General Paul Malong Awan Anei and Pagan Amum Okiech are currently holding talks in Naivasha in a bid to end their war with teh government and return to join the revitalized peace agreement in the country.

In a six-point statement released on Monday evening following the first round of talks, the parties namely Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGONU), Real SPLM and South Sudan United Front (SSUF/A) said they have recommitted themselves to the Rome Declaration signed in January last year and to end all forms of violence against civilians.

“[The parties] recommitted themselves to respect and adhere to the Rome Declaration of 12th January 2020 and the Rome Resolution of 13th February 2020,” the statement seen by Sudans Post reads in part.

The parties – according to the statement –  agreed to “abstain from any form of violence against civilians including sexual and gender-based violence and duly investigate in a timely manner and hold those responsible to account.”

They further agreed to “grant unhindered and unconditional access to humanitarian assistance to all areas and recommitted to include SSOMA into Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) structures with the support of the regional bloc IGAD and international partners.”

“[The parties] agreed to establish a channel of communication between SSOMA and CTSAMVM up to the time of its full inclusion into the CTSAMVM structures and guarantee unfettered access for CTSAMVM to monitor and verify compliance with the cessation of hostilities agreement,” the statement added.